Bernard J. Durkan
Question:160 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the degree to which adequate bed places are available to meet requirements in respect of children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19517/01]
Written Answers. - Hospital Services.
A national review of bed capacity, in both the acute and non-acute sectors is being conducted on foot of the commitment by Government in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. The review is being carried out by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance and in consultation with the social partners. The review is primarily focused on the emerging need to increase bed capacity and to have a strategic framework in place in terms of the number of additional beds required in the short, medium and longer terms to meet the needs of the population, including children. The review is nearing completion and the findings will be submitted to Government.