Ms Phil Ní Sheaghdha:

We do. It is a very strong view and we have made a number of submissions to Government in respect of it. We need dependency level staffing. We need staffing based on the scientific evidence that determines what is the best outcome for the patient. We have a cost of care model in Ireland. The INMO absolutely rejects it. We also have a real problem with the staffing levels in the private sector where pay rates and collective bargaining for trade unions are not facilitated. We are dealing with many of our members who work in the private sector who have terms and conditions of employment much different from members in the public sector. They are also trying and struggling to provide the service that is needed because there are not enough of them. It is not unusual to have one nurse for 30 patients. We saw the evidence of that during the pandemic. The ability to provide correct and safe staffing levels does not exist at the moment in the private sector.

That is unfortunate. We have called on HIQA to comment on staffing levels on numerous occasions. Right now, we need a Government policy that confirms that staffing levels in the acute sector and in the care of older persons, both public and private, must be based on the dependency levels of the patient. There is a tool for achieving that, which is Government policy. The Government has stated that it will fund it, but we have not seen any evidence in that regard. The funded workforce plan is required and we need engagement with the Departments of Health and Public Expenditure and Reform on it. The Deputy is correct because it needs to be based on science.