Crisis management measures such as the treatment purchase scheme do not solve the long-term problems in the health service and perpetuate inequality. The Labour Party proposed in its health policy radical reform of the structure of the health service to ensure efficiency and eliminate injustice. The top rate of tax was cut in the last budget, benefiting the well-off most. This was insisted on by the Government, in particular by the the Progressive Democrats, the party of the Minister for State, Deputy Parlon. It was immoral, especially so in the light of the Government's failure to fully address the needs of the health service. People have died and will die on waiting lists because of this type of immorality.