272. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to improve the conditions at the accident and emergency department at St. Vincent's hospital in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3694/16]

A range of initiatives have been implemented to address ED overcrowding and waiting times in Emergency Departments over the last number of months. Significant additional resources, €117m, additional beds and staffing have been put in place to address these problems consisting of measures to reduce numbers coming into hospital, measures to expand capacity and change work practices in hospitals and measures to support timely patient discharge from hospital. Work on these initiatives will continue to be a priority for the rest of 2016.

In relation to the Deputy's specific query in relation to St. Vincent's Hospital, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly. If he has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow up the matter.