On page 85 of the programme for Government, it promised to work and make our older years better years. Three years into the lifetime of the Government, and after eight years of the Taoiseach's party being in government, the health service is in an unprecedented state of crisis. In Cork, the number of accident and emergency departments has been reduced from five to two. The ambulance service has been restructured and many of our elderly are not receiving sufficient home help hours. Last week, we had a status code black in Cork University Hospital in which eight ambulances were kept waiting for numerous hours there.

Last week in Skibbereen, an 82 year old man fell on the street and suffered suspected neck and hip injuries about which I received numerous telephone calls. This man lay on the street for two hours and 15 minutes while waiting for an ambulance, which eventually came from Cahirciveen, County Kerry. This situation is unacceptable and the Government's policies are not working. Will the Government carry out a review of the ambulance services in west Cork?

I thank the Deputy and I believe the credit for the consolidation of the accident and emergency departments in Cork belongs to the Deputies to his right, not to any Government led by my party. When it was done, however, I am sure it was done for the right reasons.

It was not, actually.

We increase the budget for ambulance services every year as the Deputy is aware, which has occurred for the past four years. That provides for additional pay for staff, additional staff, new ambulances and ambulance spaces. I do not have any information specifically on west Cork but I will mention to the Minister for Health that this issue was raised here today.