Last year, the announcement of a new 97-bed unit at Wexford General Hospital was warmly greeted by the people of County Wexford. As we can imagine, the hospital is a vital component to the county and a 97-bed unit would be a substantial addition. It is badly needed and badly wanted, given the huge increase in population in Wexford over recent years. However, in response to a parliamentary question I asked, it has now emerged that the actual number of new beds that will be in Wexford General Hospital following this 97-bed unit build will be 44, as 53 beds are to be removed from the current hospital. Will the Government give a commitment to the people of Wexford that the 53 vital beds that are being removed will not be closed and that the full 97-bed promised unit will be just that: an extra 97 beds for Wexford General Hospital?

I thank the Deputy. I am happy to look into it but my initial understanding is that this was always to be 44 additional beds in the overall construction. Will the Deputy please allow me to look into it and come back to him?