The trolley crisis has continually escalated under the tenure of Deputy Harris as Minister for Health. Last year we saw the largest number of patients on trolleys in the history of the State, at almost 100,000.

This year's trajectory is going the same way. As winter approaches, the number is beginning to rise. Yesterday 542 citizens were lying on trolleys in hospital wards and accident and emergency departments across the State. Today the number is 507. If that trend continues as we approach the winter months we will see absolute chaos in our hospitals. Will the Minister commit to publishing the winter initiative and fast-tracking it before the winter months come in order to try to avert as much as possible this crisis given that the Government has sat on its hands and not dealt with the core issues of capacity and recruitment and retention of workers?

I very much regret the distress, upset and trauma being experienced by people in our overcrowded accident departments. It causes difficulty not only for the patients but also for their families and, of course, it stresses people who are working on the front line. However, I acknowledge improvements in what has been regarded as the trolley count. I also acknowledge that budget 2019 provided an additional €10 million to prepare for the expected demands over the winter months. I assure the Deputy that the Minister, Deputy Harris, is fully engaged on the issue and will be in a position to address the specifics if required by way of Topical Issue or other more appropriate-----

That money is for next winter, not this winter.

This winter.