Joe Costello
Question:110 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 30,000 bed days were lost in 2002 at the Mater Hospital due to delays in the discharge of patients arising from the shortage of long-term rehabilitation and hospice beds; the steps being taken to provide such step-down facilities in order that hospital beds can be utilised to the maximum extent possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11984/03]