I believe there are certain causative factors contributing to additional pressures on our health services over a number of years. In my view, those pressures have come on four different fronts. There has been an increase in population. In my own county, Westmeath, the population has increased from 63,000 to 72,000 in a relatively short period. The population of Mullingar has increased by 50% in less than 20 years. People are living longer and the age profile of the population is increasing. There is a saying, "Old bones can be cold bones" and they need additional services by comparison with younger people.