Ms Laverne McGuinness:

Deputy Dan Neville raised a question on staff. The approval for the recruitment of the complement of 38 was given in July 2013. It also included approval for two additional shift leaders and a level 3 clinical nurse manager. A renewal campaign has been relaunched in the past couple of weeks and there is permission to recruit a greater number than 38, given the high turnover experienced. The director of midwifery, Mr. Ian Carter, as I explained to Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, is also linking with the director of midwifery in respect of any other post required at Portlaoise hospital midwifery services. He is awaiting her advice and analysis of what else is required.