The central fact in this debate is that expenditure grew by 50% in under two years while revenue grew by 4% during the same time. No public service can be said to have improved by 50% since 1997. Health spending has increased almost threefold since 1997 and will be increased again. Is anyone seriously suggesting that the standard of the health service has improved? Certainly not those who are ill, handicapped or disabled or who, as of last night, must pay €70 per month more for necessary medicines.