Mr. Stephen Mulvany:

My comments on there being a market, and perhaps individuals not making themselves available, was particularly directed in the medical area where we have much higher agency numbers. It applies to all the grades, including nursing. The rate of pay is known. There used to be a blue card, so it is very obvious what the nursing rate of pay is. While I am not an expert in HR, I understand that in recent years legislation has progressively made the requirement to ensure agency members of staff are at least getting a rate of pay comparable to those directly employed. The issue is there is an additional payment and there is a commission and VAT on top.