Mr. Tony O'Brien:

There are drivers of this. For several years, we would never have been allowed to employ a cleaner. As cleaners left, they were not in the categories that were exempt from the moratorium. The overall ceiling for the health services was coming down continuously during those years, due to the circumstances in which the country existed. In many instances, the only option was to procure from external providers because we would not have been in a position to employ. At times, it can have advantages in terms of flexibility of provision. I understand the Deputy's point. My wife, who was a nurse, often says we should bring back the matron.