Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

It is pathetic of the Minister to try to blame the Opposition for the problems in the health service, given that the Fianna Fáil Party has been in Government for 15 of the past 17 years and 20 of the past 27 years. If blame has to be apportioned for problems in the service, all of it lies at the door of the Government. Its attempt to blame the Opposition parties reflects the poverty of its excuses.

Two years ago, in the run-up to a general election, the Minister promised to eliminate waiting lists. This week, in the run-up to another election, we have heard a further promise to miraculously make available money, staff and resources to open new facilities. Suddenly, this money which has long been absent has become available. This time, however, the public will not believe it. Having been forewarned by promises made at the previous election, they will view this one with jaundiced eyes and require concrete evidence before believing the emperor has new clothes.

That promise was made yesterday. Today, presumably in response to this motion on the Government's failure to eliminate waiting lists by the deadline of this week, the Minister started to spin again. The figure for people on waiting lists, which stood at 27,000 this morning, miraculously declined by 4,500 by lunchtime.

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