Mr. Jim Breslin:

I might answer a couple of the policy questions and will hand over to the HSE to respond on the question about agency staff. The temporary assistance scheme has been extended to include residents, whether they are under the fair deal scheme or are privately paying their own way. The available supports cover occupancy.

It remains the case that the scheme started on 1 April and a cross-Government policy decision was made as to when it should commence, given that various schemes were being mobilised at the time. That policy decision was made at the time. I will ask the representatives of the HSE to comment on the agency matter.