Mr. Sean Egan:

We do not have a role with the plan the HSE may need to put in place for workforce planning. On inspection, we look at the level of staffing in particular areas that we inspect. One area on which we have had some engagement with the Department of Health is related to the safer staffing framework around nursing. This is a relatively new initiative that has been driven by the Government and is being implemented by the HSE. Through our inspections, and particularly in emergency departments, we have seen a progression in the implementation of that particular element of staffing. Obviously nursing staffing is a critical part of the workforce within healthcare. It is not the only part of the health service but we have a role in terms of monitoring and we have a role in setting standards at the principal base level but we would not have a direct role in the specifics of workforce planning down to the ground delivery.