Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

First, I agree wholeheartedly with Deputy Cullinane on the winter plan. The challenge we are facing cannot be underestimated and, as he pointed out, there is a real reduction in capacity in the public system. I look forward to engaging with him and the Oireachtas on that plan.

I will send the Deputy a detailed briefing on front-line workers but my priority regarding nurses is that we reach the safe staffing levels agreed last year. Nurses and midwives went on strike. The Deputy and I joined them on the ballot for that strike. A Labour Court recommendation was agreed. The progress has not been made. My priority when it comes to nursing and midwifery staff is that the agreement should be honoured and we reach these safe staffing levels much quicker than has been happening to date.