Finian McGrath
Question:144 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of beds required to end the crisis at the accident and emergency departments in hospitals. [5294/05]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 February 2005
144 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of beds required to end the crisis at the accident and emergency departments in hospitals. [5294/05]
View answerThe delivery of accident and emergency services has been identified as a priority area for attention. Many of the difficulties and delays experienced in accident and emergency departments reflect systemwide issues. It is, therefore, necessary to take a whole system approach, involving primary care, acute care, sub-acute and community care in tackling the problems in accident and emergency departments.
I announced a ten point action plan for accident and emergency services on the publication of the 2005 Estimates. A sum of €70 million is available to the Health Service Executive this year for these initiatives. I have met senior management of the Health Service Executive and my Department is working closely with the Health Service Executive to ensure early implementation of these initiatives.