Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is a very good point. As part of the Estimates process, we are working through all of that in detail. I am determined to ensure that, in providing extra money, there is clear delivery of key outputs and there is recognition that we need to make permanent improvements in capacity. That is coming at a time when it is very costly because we have to fund the Covid response in the Department of Health and the HSE with additional expenditure in 2020 of €2.5 billion to €3 billion, and much of that will have to be incurred again. We can see the strain that imposes on the Exchequer, but there is general agreement across the political system on the direction of travel. We want equal access to our health service and we need to ensure we improve permanent bed capacity, including ICU capacity. My team are working through the detail of that with the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, and his officials because additional money will only be provided where it is clear what the public is getting in return by way of an improved service, improved capacity and improved infrastructure. That process is almost complete.