Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

After seven and a half years in Government, the Taoiseach is still theorising about the solution. I have no idea what he intends to convey to the public by stating he has been aware of this problem for 30 years. Most people would draw the conclusion that, after that period, he should move out and let someone else try his or her hand at the problem.

The hospital consultants state there are now 3,500 fewer beds in the system than in 1990, which is not 30 years ago. I remind the Taoiseach of the fanfare with which he assembled a number of Ministers with the then Minister, Deputy Martin, to announce a health strategy that promised 3,000 beds. Where are the 3,000 beds? Are these press conferences any more than a fanfare to attract the media and to get soft headlines for the weekend?

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