Dr. Maura Pidgeon:

In response to Deputy Mitchell O’Connor, we do fully appreciate and acknowledge the difficulties that have been experienced from the perspective of nursing homes and private and public hospitals. That is why we have been listening and have engaged in open information sessions and workshops to deal with the timeframes around the cycle and the adaptation programmes. The restructuring of our website will provide for some online capacity in the initial stages this year. The procurement of an information management system for registration will allow for infinitely more online capacity and the development of a smoother system for registration of all calibres.

In response to Senator Byrne, we fully endorse his acknowledgement of the work of midwifery. There has been a huge emphasis on the work of midwives across Ireland, and in May we revised the practice standards for midwives. The standards for education and training of midwives will soon go before the board. One of the key elements of the change in the legislation is the acknowledgement of midwifery as a profession independent of nursing. It is important and appreciated that Senator Byrne appreciates the work of the midwives.

I apologise for not picking up on the typo.