Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has promised that his party will end the A&E crisis by providing 600 step-down beds in Dublin if elected to Government.
Speaking at the party's ardfheis in Dublin this evening Mr Kenny laid out a policy package of low taxes, tougher crime measures and health sector reform on which his party will fight the next general election.
Mr Kenny told delegates that Fine Gael will use public land for public beds to alleviate demand is particularly acute in Dublin.
"We will start with 600 step-down beds in Dublin. All of this can be done inside 30 months. That is how we will end the scandal of A&E and of people on trolleys," he said.
In addition Mr Kenny said a Fine Gael government would build a network of "urgent care centres" to take the pressure of A&E units, and to fine drunks or as he put it "weekend warriors" who harass hospital staff.
"I believe that any Government of this country that cannot look after the health of its people - does not deserve to be in power, and does not deserve to be returned to power," he said.
On the economy, Mr Kenny committed any future Fine Gael-led government to low taxes promising no increases in personal, corporate or capital tax rates, though he did not mention PRSI, VAT or service charges.
Mr Kenny said future economic policy will hinge on using the country's wealth to provide better services for all its citizens.
"The problem isn't money. The problem is government complacency, government waste. And the health service is where that complacency is seen and felt most acutely," he said.
Turning to crime, Mr Kenny promised give victims a greater voice on sentencing and to hold judges more accountable for the jail terms they hand down.
"I will insist that every time a guilty verdict is handed down in a serious case, the prosecution will stand up and propose, in court, the sentence that reflects the people's view. The judge will hear the voice of the people. And we will therefore re-strike the balance of the criminal-justice system in favour of the majority," he said.
"Judges will retain their independence in setting the sentence. But if that sentence falls outside what the people envisaged, then I will require that judge to explain his or her reasons in open court, Mr Kenny said.
As he rallied the party faithful Mr Kenny said the next election will be "a transforming moment in our nation's history."
"Ireland will choose between a tired old government that have brought us as far as they can, and a new government that will create an Ireland where our children can rear their children, confident of a bright future. That's a proud Ireland.
"A thriving society, a warm community, where family values are important. And where economic prosperity is matched by prosperity of mind, prosperity of spirit. That's why I say to our young people, in a special way, the next election belongs to you, because Ireland's future belongs to you," he concluded.