John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I was asked if I would meet the Minister later regarding further funds for Mountmellick hospital, something about which I am pleased.

I am pleased with all the areas being funded under the health programme. This issue has been made a little more thorny because we are heading into a by-election. We cannot be accused of robbing the elderly when the facts suggest otherwise. Many of our hospitals have been modernised. I often wonder how the Opposition can close its eyes to this. The level of demand for health services has changed. Many working couples have sought care for their elderly relatives. As lifestyles have changed, people are not at home to provide care as much as they used to be. This does not mean the budget for health has not increased.

I welcome the investment of €11 billion in the health service this year. The capital investment programme is worth €585 million. The success of the economic strategy means we are able to increase resources in the health service. Suggesting otherwise makes one think the health budget has been reduced but the opposite is the case. The latest comparable OECD data which relate to 2002 show that the level of public health expenditure in Ireland as a percentage of GDP increased from 4.8% in 1997 to 5.5% in 2002, an increase of 14.6%. In comparison, the average percentage increase for the rest of the OECD was 8.6%.

I am pleased with the way the Tánaiste has handled this issue. I am convinced she will be able to allay the fears of the elderly and sure the Government's commitment to the elderly will continue.

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