The HSE’s national service plan was published in the past two days. I acknowledge an increase of €1.4 billion in funding. However, I am astounded the plan is cutting the number of short-stay beds in public units from 1,929 to 1,720, a decrease of 209. There is no rationale behind this or explanation for it. It flies in the face of the HSE's capacity review which called for between 5,600 and 6,300 extra beds under the category by 2030. This cut means the Government is failing to meet a growing need and is ignoring the evidence of several reports which it commissioned. This will challenge services for older people in 2020.

I will ask the Minister for Health to give the Deputy a better explanation. My recollection is that when one takes the number of beds in the round, such as fair deal, transition care, acute and short-stay, there is an increase. I do not have the exact details of that. I will ask the Minister to provide the Deputy with a proper reply.