We will have an opportunity to deal with the Supplementary Estimate tonight and the provision in the Book of Estimates which is probably of the order of a 9 per cent increase. While acknowledging that there are gaps in the service, does the Minister accept that those gaps amount to a crisis in some areas? Is he aware of the statement concerning the largest hospital in the country where yesterday a decision was made not to admit any non-emergency cases for 48 hours, that the consultant in that hospital remarked that there are simply not enough beds in Dublin to cater for non-emergency cases, that some of the patients being discharged are suffering from bowel diseases——

The Deputy is raising a particular matter, which is a separate question.

It is the question on the provision of finance for the hospital service.

The hospital to which the Deputy refers, received an allocation of £39 million this year, including what they will receive from the Supplementary Estimate. There are in excess of 2,000 staff working in the hospital. While I am aware of the statement which was made yesterday I do accept that there are insufficient acute beds in Dublin. An emergency such as took place yesterday can happen any time. I understand there were 90 emergency admissions in a 24 hour period as a result of all kinds of incidents and various illnesses. No service in the world can cater for that type of emergency.