David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I join with the Minister in condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine today. Ireland, as a neutral country, must take a strong stance. I echo the Minister's words on that issue.

To start with some of what the Minister said, there is no disagreement regarding the need for us to improve accessibility and affordability in the context of quality care. I do not think anybody questions the quality of care that people get when they access the health service. The problem is getting access. When people get access, they get good quality care. Obviously, there are areas where we can improve, but, by and large, the quality of care provided by the Irish health service is second to none. Therefore, access and affordability are the two key issues.

Starting with waiting lists, I have several questions that I will come to shortly regarding the targets set in the budgets of 2021 and 2022. Specifically regarding waiting lists, however, the Minister said that the plan being announced tomorrow will be a €350 million package. We have tight time limits, so I ask the Minister to be as precise as he can in answering this question. How much of that amount is new funding that was not included in budget 2022? Is any additional funding being made available that was not already provided for in the budget announcement?