Dr. Gabriel Scally:

It is a problem. In addition, the greater emphasis on the outcomes for individual cytoscreeners places pressure on them in the labs. I am concerned about the staff, especially having met many of them in Limerick and CervicalCheck. They have done a fantastic job under very difficult circumstances and significant pressure. I understand that there are difficulties in this regard. I discuss them with the HSE regularly and I know the team understands that and is trying to take action to fill posts and create additional posts where needed. Some people were doing more than one job and had their jobs merged. There is also a need for better job definitions because there is nothing worse than people not knowing what their job is. In my main report, I identified that one of the major problems was that very few staff members had a current job description. I have discussed that with the HSE. The Chair's question is a good one and it should be addressed to the HSE. I will continue to discuss the matter with it. As the Chair is aware, the Minister has asked me to review the implementation of the recommendations. I will discuss these matters further with the HSE.