Mr. Paul Bell:

Yes, but it is commonly asked whether priority has been given to administration as opposed to front-line staff. I have always said, and will continue to say, that nobody is employed in the HSE, in any of the voluntary hospitals or in section 39 organisations that is not required. The problem in some cases is that there are not enough of them or that they are not given the leadership they need to develop into providing the very best care they can provide. In response to Deputy Durkan, I think we are going to continue to experience these pressures unless we get serious about what the political system, including Oireachtas Members, has agreed on the way forward, namely, Sláintecare. We have tried to look at all the challenges that are coming against us.

I refer to something that is in the background but is also adding to the stress on the health service in terms of expenditure, which is the continuing expenditure on the children's hospital. That is taking resources and we do not know where it will end. I listened to a programme on RTÉ radio recently where it was stated that nobody could confirm whether the hospital would cost €2 billion or €2.5 billion. We are concerned about how we can develop the health service if that drag is on the budget. There is also capital expenditure, which means we need to develop new hospitals and new facilities, including primary care centres.