I refer to the Cabinet sub-committee on health, which the Taoiseach chairs. Did it deal with the closure of wards in Crumlin children's hospital and the difficulties that has given rise to for children who have had operations postponed, including spinal surgery?

In reply to Deputy Ó Caoláin, the Taoiseach said while matters are under consideration, he cannot discuss them in the House until they are decided on and announced to the public. However, a decision announced to the public in 2005 by the Minister for Health and Children was her plan to fast-track the provision of hospital beds by means of the co-location of private hospitals on the grounds of public hospitals. Has the sub-committee given consideration to how fast the fast-tracking has been over the four-year period since 2005? None of the co-located hospitals has materialised and not a single bed has been fast-tracked. Is consideration being given to examining a different fast track now for the provision of hospital beds, since the fast track chosen by the Minister clearly has run into something of a siding?

The Deputy's question relates to the membership of the Cabinet sub-committee on health. I cannot see how it can be extended to these realms, unless the Taoiseach would like to be helpful in this regard.

The Taoiseach might like to be helpful. He was helpful to the other Deputies.

I always like to be helpful.

If the Taoiseach wants to be helpful, I will not stop him.

I would not want to feel left out.

Whether what I have to say is regarded as helpful is a different thing.

That is a matter for the Taoiseach.

It is highly unlikely. I have not been able to surprise the Deputy so far.

His basic question is whether the sub-committee engages itself in operational matters that come under the statutory authority and remit of the HSE and the answer is "No". However, the sub-committee seeks to ensure in the implementation of policy that the operational responsibility, where it lies, is exercised with due regard to the policy outlined by Cabinet.

I do not want to go into the specifics of the Crumlin issue because it will be dealt with in detail during Private Members' time this week but, clearly, certain assertions are being made, which are not correct.

The board of the hospital and doctors told me.

I would well believe that.

The issue is when one compares the money being expended on paediatrics in this city to other cities of a similar size, there is a great deal of room for ensuring that the resources are provided to the front line more easily than is the case currently. That will require support from everyone in the House to look to reforms, which are necessary in the context of finite budgets, and the need to ensure that there is effective and efficient delivery of service in all circumstances.

The Deputy asked about the provision of additional beds. There have been many efficiencies in this area but with regard to the Minister for Health and Children's initiative, a number of co-located hospitals have been delayed because of appeals against planning decisions by certain individuals or groups. Work continues to be done to make financial arrangements for the funding of the proposals. The whole idea of course is to ensure that the greater number of public beds in our public hospitals will be available for public patients.