Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister mentioned health, I refer to a response he gave me recently on foot of the current figures and the 10% increase year-on-year which he acknowledged must be addressed as soon as possible. It appears his policy in that regard is to find resources from other areas to meet that demand. That is not the case in capital expenditure, as we discussed earlier in relation to broadband or the national children's hospital because, as the Minister said, projects may only be delayed. However, we know the Minister must find €200 million next year for projects which were delayed this year, which only compounds the issue year-on-year. Eventually someone will be left holding the parcel, but it appears that the Minister is intent that it not be himself.

I acknowledge his commitment on the demographic figures published in the paper, their validity to date, and the improvements that can be made in the future.

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