276 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients occupying beds in general hospitals for in excess of three calendar months; the daily cost of these hospital beds; and the way she will address and resolve this issue. [8475/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular question raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.