Donnelly denies double-counting of hospital beds in Budget 2021

Health Minister, Stephen Donnelly: "We're facing the most challenging winter in healthcare in memory. This budget will ensure that they are part of the system on a permanent basis. I don't see how they are being double-counted. We've been very clear on this." Picture: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie

The health minister Stephen Donnelly has said there is no double-counting of hospital beds announced in the budget.

The health budget will rise by €4bn in 2021, to over €22bn, including €467m to permanently fund 2,600 acute and community beds, though Mr Donnelly has been forced to deny that these beds are "double-counted".