Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Before I bring in Senator Dolan and Deputy O'Connell for their one question, will Mr. Devane be seeking specific funding in the next budget for the implementation of specific projects in Sláintecare?

Having looked at the Sláintecare process, one of the essential elements is information and communications technology, ICT, and developing an individual health identifier and an electronic record in order that real-time data can be secured and so that patients can be followed as they flow through the system. Mr. Devane might comment on that.

On the filling of vacancies, as Mr. Devane knows, there are up to 500 consultant vacancies at the moment but I refer to vacancies in general. The complexity of filling a post is highly onerous and to hire a mental health nurse, for example, one must go through 25 steps and if there is a blockage in any one of those steps, the appointment is delayed. Perhaps Mr. Devane will comment on how we will address the filling of existing vacancies in the HSE.