Mr. Mike Glynn:

Thank you for allowing that, Chairman. We very much appreciate that the amendment was made also. Our understanding on Beaumont is that the exemptions have been lifted and they are recruiting. It is unlikely, however, that the unit will be open before May or June, optimistically.

Cork University Hospital is much more worrying. The HSE says it will be open in the third quarter of this year. From experience, the third quarter does not mean 1 July. If it means 30 September we will be lucky. As there has not been anything in Cork there is a huge built-up need for the services. CUH covers not just Cork and Kerry but also right across Munster generally. We would hope that it can be speeded up. It is really essential that, having spent the money on these units, we will now get them in operation.