The situation in Cork University Hospital, CUH, is severe and has been for some time. The workforce report which came out during the week identified that Cork has the second lowest level of front-line staff of any hospital in the State and is down 80 nurses and midwives over that period. The workforce generally speaking rose across the system. Does the Minister accept that CUH is in need of particular attention? Does he accept that the recruitment embargo is an exceptionally blunt instrument? We have a situation in Cork where housekeeping staff are effectively being told that there are no days of leave and there is no scope for holidays for them. Does the Minister accept that the recruitment embargo is a blunt tool that is significantly restricting the ability of hospitals to respond to the current crisis they face?

I do not know the specifics of CUH but I know that the Government has put unprecedented resources into the health system, with a 20% increase in staffing across the board over the last four years with the objective of improving services and bringing down waiting lists. We are seeing progress on that. That progress has been seen in improving health outcomes and life expectancy in our country. I will certainly pass the Deputy's particular query on to the Minister for Health and have him respond directly.