597. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the situation regarding hospital overcrowding; and the amount spent since the beginning of the year specifically on this issue. [30300/15]

598. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health if his Department has conducted an analysis on when hospital overcrowding and the need to use trolleys to accommodate the increased number of patients will be resolved. [30301/15]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 597 and 598 together.

As these are service matters, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.