Mr. Stephen Mulvany:

There is no doubt that it is a growing issue. The question of accommodation comes up more and more and now one hears colleagues talk about the fact that even some of the urban-based hospitals, which typically would have had better opportunities to recruit and retain staff in the past, are now experiencing negative impacts from that. It is still the case that the provision of accommodation is not within the core competency of the HSE but it is something we have done in the past. We have provided accommodation in the distant past and not just for nursing staff. I have no doubt as Government and other colleagues consider all of the policy options around the retention of essential workers accommodation is an issue that is being talked about more and more. The HSE is not averse to playing whatever role is appropriate for it in that context because it is coming up more and more as a real issue particularly in terms of attracting and retaining younger staff.