The total number of people treated in acute hospitals increased by 6% last year. That represents an increase of 48,500 patients in one year, which is massive by any standards. The threefold increase in funding during the past six years, substantially brought about by the current Minister, has made additional demands on resources. A total of €43.8 million will be provided in 2003 towards shortening waiting lists and reducing waiting times. Senator White referred to the fact that she had the privilege of being able to have an MRI scan when she saw fit because she could pay for it. The Minister has gone some way towards dealing with that issue through the treatment purchase scheme by bringing closer to people on public waiting lists the ability to have their operations much earlier than would otherwise have been possible.