The Government has poured unprecedented money into the health service. Spending has increased from €3.6 billion in 1997 to more than €9 billion this year. It is important to point out that the money has delivered significant increases in output. Almost one million people were treated in our acute hospitals in 2002, an increase of almost 25% compared to 1997. Why is this? It is very simple. Our population has increased and we have taken in many asylum seekers. There are also two more important aspects, that is, people are living longer and, consequently, they are drawing on the health services more than they were in the past because old bones can be cold and sore bones. There is also a greater inclination by people to avail of elective procedures than was the case 20 years ago.