Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We had confirmation from the Department of Health a moment ago that there were 16,000 whole-time equivalent agency staff in the HSE right throughout last year. That could involve 40,000 staff at different stages during the year but, in breaking it down to whole-time equivalents, there were 16,000 whole-time equivalent agency staff. It is a significant proportion. It is the same point Deputy Cullinane is making. We note and publish that.

The next item is from Mr. Maurice Buckley, chairman of the Office of Public Works, OPW, providing an update requested by the committee regarding the discussions on the rent for the Miesian Plaza, its new headquarters for the Department of Health in Baggot Street in Dublin. He states that he had anticipated a meeting with the landlord would have taken place at this stage, that due to availability of senior personnel in both organisations it has not been possible, that a meeting has been arranged for early October, and that Mr. Buckley will keep the committee informed. We will note that and give him a month. On 1 November, we will write for the update.