Regarding the point raised by Senator Marc MacSharry, the numbers attending outpatient services in hospitals has increased by 25% in the first eight months of this year and a service has continued to be provided. I do not want the impression being given that the health service is falling down left, right and centre. The level of services has increased in all hospitals right across the country.

Just Beaumont.

It is wrong that the message going out is that the health service is in chaos. The health service is not in chaos. Services are being delivered and there are more than 100,000 people within the health service who are extremely dedicated and committed to delivering a quality service. I accept there are issues, and there are issues that we have inherited and need to be tackled which I raise here consistently in regard to how we treat and employ staff. The Government has changed the position in regard to the embargo and nursing staff are being recruited and the number of medical consultants and doctors is being increased. If we want to have a debate on the issue, let us have it on all the issues in the health service and let us give credit where it is due. For example, in regard to maternity services for 2015, it is proposed to add ten new consultants in that area. This is a long way from the Hanley report of 2003. Senator Marc MacSharry was around from 2003 to 2011 when-----

I was, yes, I was Minister.

-----the number of consultants in that area was to increase from slightly over 100 to 191. At present, we have 130 but by this time next year there will be 140 or 145.

The Senator can make those points during the debate.

It is just to give a clear example of where progress has been made and where progress will continue to be made during the lifetime of the Government.