Ms Laura Magahy:

I might give a supplementary response if that is okay. Two issues have been raised. First, nursing staff are a key part of the workforce and while they are the biggest part of the workforce they are not the only part of the workforce, so there have been increases in other professions as well that provide valuable services in the community.

A second point, which I suggest to Mr. Sullivan that we might factor into the figures, is that there has been some very interesting work on what is called the community virtual ward where nurses are employed by the hospital but they provide services in the community. They follow patients out of the hospital and make sure that they are okay for two weeks after they leave hospital and the service is provided in the community. We need to give the committee a much broader picture of what is happening in terms of services involving nursing and other professionals who are giving these invaluable supports to people. We are completely on the same page with Deputy Burke. This is an essential part of keeping people well and at home and independent.