Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

That is good to hear. Mr. Gloster is correct that some of the stories are truly heartbreaking.

My next question relates to the workforce. Mr. Gloster stated that we now have the highest workforce in the history of the Irish health service. He mentioned that there has been a 21.8% increase since the end of 2019. Is this overall healthcare staff or those employed directly by the HSE? Mr. Gloster may have touched on this already. If so, he should please forgive me as I have had to pop in and out of the office this morning. Has there been a particular increase in the number of healthcare assistants, specifically those providing home care? Is this increase a direct result of overseas recruitment?