Ms Phil Ní Sheaghdha:

When the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, set out the summer economic statement, there was a specific reference to scrutiny in the Department of Health. From our perspective, the most important point we are trying to make at this committee is that there is a ready-made solution. There is a pre-existing agreement indicating there is a need for a workforce plan that is funded to cater for the numbers of nursing and midwifery staff required to provide a public health service that is safe. We are aware, although we do not like reporting it, that people are now afraid of going to public hospitals. They are afraid of the waiting time and they are afraid that they will not be seen on time. That is very unfortunate. It should not be happening in 2019.