There is a commitment in the programme for Government to building capacity in our hospital system. Yesterday, there were 37 patients on trolleys in Letterkenny University Hospital, 34 the day before and 5,000 throughout last year. I have raised this issue previously with the Taoiseach, the Minister for Health and the Health Service Executive, HSE. The needs of Letterkenny University Hospital and the patients of Donegal have been continuously ignored and there have been no answers forthcoming. When I raised this issue last week with the Taoiseach he suggested I raise it as a Topical Issue matter or a parliamentary question. When I table parliamentary questions on whether, and when, funding will be provided to Letterkenny University Hospital they are referred by the Minister for Health to the HSE which, in turn, refers them to Letterkenny University Hospital for answer. Will the Taoiseach take control of this issue and ensure the needs of the patients of Donegal are no longer ignored. While beds have been opened in other parts of the country no beds have been opened in Donegal, which also needs them. Will the Taoiseach give a commitment today that he will address this issue and deliver beds for Letterkenny University Hospital?

I made some inquiries about this issue. As the Deputy has acknowledged 170 additional beds have been opened across our hospitals so far this with, with plans for more to be opened during the course of this year. The HSE, in appraising where new beds will be opened or not be opened, examines need, cost and the ability to staff them. I will not be taking it into my hands to determine exactly where beds should be located across our health service. That would not be practical.