Hospital Accommodation.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 May 2005

Wednesday, 11 May 2005

Questions (64, 65, 66)

Richard Bruton

Question:

99 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the efforts she is making to open closed beds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15411/05]

Liam Twomey

Question:

110 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on recent reports from the INO that more than 150 beds in Dublin are closed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15410/05]

Richard Bruton

Question:

117 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of closed beds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15412/05]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 99, 110 and 117 together.

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief executive officer of the Health Service Executive to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested.