Mr. Liam Woods:

Sure. We recognise that there is a need for ongoing investment in the provision of an increased level of service to deliver on the demands that exist at the moment and the demands that may exist as demographics change. I am sure the Oireachtas committee that is looking at this matter will make helpful observations. It has certainly received some strong submissions. We understand and accept that permanent investment is needed. I think NTPF-type funding can be of strong support in providing additional capacity in the short term. As members have mentioned, significant portions of our total waiting lists are day work. Such work can account for up to 60% of waiting lists, depending on the specialty in question. That can also lend itself to proposals like those we were discussing a few moments ago, or indeed to NTPF-type proposals. I ask members to bear in mind that the NTPF can fund services within the HSE. Our challenges tend to relate to capacity and the compensatory effects of dealing with admissions through emergency departments and other areas. We have identified a need for a medium-term approach. I have not responded to a couple of issues that were raised.