Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I seek clarification from the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, on the percentage increase for the number of nurses.

I am aware, as are the witnesses, that the age profile of psychiatric nurses indicates there is a significant number of retirements coming up so the figure given by the witnesses has factored in all the retirements and the differences relating to the preserved pension age. I am sure Dr. O'Halloran is more than acutely aware of this. Some can go at 55 while others can hang on. Is the number based on all of them hanging on until 60 or is the Department building in the assumption that most will go at 55 because they would still be in the category that can go at 55?