Ms Angela Fitzgerald:

Midwife numbers have increased. There is no evidence that we are losing them as quickly as we were. We can provide a report by site. In his former role Mr. McGrane exercised the requirement in Wexford and Kilkenny to bring staff numbers up to minimum levels. Each site is required to operate within a ratio of 1:29. There is no impediment in replacing somebody when they leave. I am not sure what reference point was used by the INMO for the gap, whether there is a vacancy factor or whether it relates to the ratio of 1:29, but we are happy to share the detail with members. The intent is to recruit. The gap is 200. We received funding in 2016 to recuit 100, of whom 88 have now been recruited. A further 100 are to be recruited and the expectation is we will move to do this. The question of whether we are just running to stand still is fair, but it is a challenge we are meeting.