David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have a final question. It was mentioned there will be a global shortage of 10 million healthcare workers by 2030. Does Dr. McGann have any figures on what the shortage in Ireland will be? Right throughout her publication and submission, she mentioned that even with money having been made available, there has been difficulty in getting workers. They just are not coming forward. This may be because, as Senator Gavan said, the rates of pay are too law or the roles are not seen as attractive or professionalised. It may be that the standards around the certification of training are not there, as Deputy Bruton alluded to. There is a lot of work to be done in that regard.

Due to Ireland being beyond full employment, to use the term which is used now, are there issues with bringing people in from abroad? I am always conscious when I say that. Our medics are leaving to get experience and so forth and we are bringing in people from other countries. In some ways, we can be impinging on their health services by bringing their nurses, doctors, and carers here. We deal with work permits in this committee. Will Dr. McGann talk about the issue of bringing people into Ireland? At times, there are language and cultural issues surrounding all that. Maybe Dr. McGann will comment on that whole space.