Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I remind Deputy Kenny that the Government has recognised since it took office that additional resources are required. That is why the health service budget has been increased from €3 billion to €12 billion. This year's health service capital programme is worth €500 million, as it has been every year in recent years. We have finished many units. St. Vincent's hospital is almost a new hospital. Similar investment has been made in hospitals in Cork, Galway and other places throughout the country. An additional 35,000 staff have been employed in the health service. Some 3,000 people who would not have been helped previously will benefit from the home care packages this year.

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