Mr. Paul Reid:

The overall point is that with more than 600 in the first quarter, we are currently recruiting 200 per month. The highest proportion of that 600 is in the nursing sector. There has been significant recruitment throughout the year. The national service plan provides for approximately 2,000 overall in its budget for total staffing so there is a facility for further recruitment.

On the plan for the rest of the year, the Department has set out some of the challenges to coming in within budget but there is no recruitment embargo. All the individual areas and the current process will have to be approved in budget. That is continuing to happen. Recruitment, particularly in nursing, will continue for the rest of the year. It has been the highest proportion in the first quarter but approvals will have to be within budget.