Mr. Bernard Gloster:

Deputy Donnelly has left but he made some observations about the age-related aspect of waiting lists. Life expectancy in Ireland is slightly above the EU average. We are seeing a growth in the over-65 population of approximately 20,000 people every year, with a growth in the over-85 population of 2,500 per year. The health status of the older population is probably the most critical factor in terms of demand on services, with 86% of people over 65 having at least one chronic disease and 65% of people having two or more morbidities.

In the community healthcare sector, both for mental health and services for older persons, the value of a student nurse came with the fourth year placements. When it was originally negotiated it was on the basis of two students in and one whole-time equivalent, WTE, out. There was an expectation of full employment and that, accordingly, the students would finish at the end of the term but now there are so many vacancies that the students are staying on as preregistered between September and Christmas. There is never a time where there are no students in the system. The counting of a WTE is based on the traditional 37.5 hours and not related to the grade of student.