Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

It is frightening that she does not recognise that. The Minister spoke about the improvements. Of course there have been major improvements and technology has improved worldwide, so why should it not in Ireland? Medical procedure has improved worldwide and therefore in Ireland. I do not think anyone challenged Senator Ryan's assertion that there are no hospital waiting lists in a number of European countries, yet we are willing to accept there should be in Ireland. It is frightening that this appears to be our starting point.

The Minister continually makes the case for the defence when he refers to the enormous increase in expenditure. We recognise that sizeable money is being spent on the health service but on the other side of the equation is the desperation of people looking for hospital beds. There is also the desperation of those looking for medical cards and nursing home subventions. I do not believe, from listening to the Minister's contribution, that he recognises the scale of the problem. That worries me.

The Minister asks about the signals being sent from the Opposition benches. The signal you sent in your script is that the problems——