People waiting for orthodontic treatment and those whose community home help hours have been cut will be shocked by the Taoiseach's admission. He did not answer the charge made against him. On 7 May 2002, the Taoiseach stated, "We will permanently end waiting lists." With less than 60 days to go, the lists have increased by 2,000. That is the Taoiseach's kind of Government and that is why the people do not believe him any more. He made other promises. He said he would issue 200,000 extra medical cards; he has withdrawn 45,000 since. He promised 3,000 additional beds and he has closed 200 beds in Dublin. He promised enhanced GP services in a range of multi-disciplinary paramedical services. Does the Taoiseach not understand that the people do not believe him?

Will the Taoiseach answer the questions? Does he remember — his memory is selective these days — making a promise to permanently end waiting lists? He stated last weekend that there would be full medical care in all hospitals on a 24-hour basis. Does that mean full accident and emergency cover or does it mean just a doctor and a nurse at the end of a telephone? Will the Taoiseach answer those questions clearly so that at least in this forum there can be some semblance of credibility on the words that come out of his mouth?

I stated last week very clearly what the Minister for Health and Children had stated the previous week on the matter of medical cover in hospitals.

The Taoiseach did not state it clearly.

He did not answer the question.

I also stated when I was asked the question whether this was accident and emergency cover, that many of the hospitals in question did not have A and E services so an A and E service would not be opened. I said 24-hour medical cover.

What does that mean?

Allow the Taoiseach without interruption.

We have seen some of the biggest reductions in the waiting lists here that have been seen in the past 30 years-——

The Taoiseach just will not answer the question.

There has been a 42% reduction in the number of adults waiting for more than twelve months for in-patient treatment——

The Taoiseach should answer the question.

Allow the Taoiseach without interruption.

——and a 39% reduction in the number of children. I know the Deputies do not want to see this enormous——

——increase. In recent years we have put in proper resources into cancer treatment. There has been an increase in the number of consultants. We are already three years ahead of target. On bed capacity, more beds have been made available. There is a significant capital programme in Galway, Cork and Tullamore and in James Connolly Memorial Hospital in Blanchardstown.

It is not cover, it is a cover-up.

What does medical cover mean?

You are not the leader of Fine Gael.

Still sick.

Two years waiting.

There is new infrastructure, new hospitals, additional staff and consultants and still the Opposition run around trying to find an area where it is not perfect. We have improved it dramatically.