Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I read the reply to the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, from the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, on the issue. As the person responsible he felt no issue arose. I welcome the fact that we will receive clarity in a week’s time because that is extremely important.

I seek clarity on two other points. I welcome the news the Minister brought into the public domain, namely, that because of the Labour Court’s decision, in future the position of inspector will be restricted to public health nurses. During Question Time the Minister even said she would like to see it broadened out.

Mr. McKiernan complimented the HSE on the speedy recruitment process of six months. I would not regard that as speedy, nor do I think anyone in the private sector would regard it as speedy. It was disappointing that someone let the situation arise in which the positions remained unfilled for a period. Reference was made to transparency and accountability. Who let the positions remain unfilled up to now, which meant there were no inspectors for certain regions of the country for up to 18 months? The question must be answered.