I reiterate that we would like to extend the medical card scheme and that is the Minister's stated position. The pre-budget Estimates for 2003 for health is €8.9 billion. It includes capital expenditure and in addition €694 million in current spending is provided. That is a 9% increase year on year. The spending figure for next year will be €554 billion higher, 154% more than it was five years ago. That extra investment has resulted in record levels of activity in the acute hospital system. The Deputy raised the issue of beds. An extra €53 million next year will mean an overall investment package for the bed capacity of €118 million. The Deputy should accept that this shows we are honouring the proposals in the health strategy. The treatment purchase fund, the additional money for cancer services and the money for the primary care for GP services will, I hope, help his constituents in Monaghan as well as people everywhere in the country.