Ms Laverne McGuinness:

Deputy Ó Caoláin asked about the most recent recruitment. In July 2013, approval was given for up to a complement of 38 midwives and two additional shift leaders and a clinical nurse manager, grade 3. A renewal campaign is under way to recruit over and above the 38. Mr. Ian Carter will provide more detail on this.

A question raised by Deputy Neville concerned the management and administrative staff turnover. There have been changes at a number of levels, at hospital level and above, since 2006. A new general manager went to post last Friday and a new director of midwifery services also went in last Friday. Dialogue has already commenced with the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital regarding collaboration. Mr. Ian Carter can expand on this point.

The last question concerned NCHDs and what is being done in respect of Senator Crown's question on the recruitment of NCHDs. Mr. Ian Carter will elaborate.