John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not believe anybody asked about new recruits to the public sector and those who have come into the public sector in recent years. There have been indications on pay restoration for younger teachers, nurses and gardaí. Will the Minister briefly outline what has been set aside and what impact it will have on the fiscal space? The issue of retention was brought to prominence for me at a meeting with a group of parents advocating on scoliosis at the Department of Health. A new multi-million operating theatre in Crumlin, which was completed before the beginning of the year, is still not staffed. The HSE is recruiting overseas while we have hugely expanded waiting lists, particularly for children with scoliosis, which is a devastating condition. To use nurses as an example, they are significantly better paid in other jurisdictions, including the UK, which is where the HSE is seeking recruits for the operating theatre. Does the Minister have any comments on this and on the improvement in pay for younger teachers that has been flagged by the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Bruton?