Dáil Éireann debate - Tuesday, 16 Oct 2001

Written Answers. - Hospital Bed Capacity.

Bernard Allen

Question:

354 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on a recent report by the Irish Hospital Consultants Association that almost 19,000 hospital beds must exist in the health service by the year 2026; his views on the contention; and the plans he has to meet those targets. [24309/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The Programme for Prosperity and Fairness outlined the commitment of the Government to review bed capacity in both the acute and non-acute sectors. A comprehensive review of bed capacity needs has been conducted by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance and in consultation with the social partners. As part of the consultative process, my Department received a detailed submission from the Irish Hospital Consultants Association, the content of which has informed the review.

The review has focused primarily 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. The principal findings of the review will be incorporated in the forthcoming national health strategy.