Dr. Kara McGann:

It was a really welcome change when workers in this space were removed from the ineligible list and are now eligible. Of the quota of 1,000 work permits put out, there has been an uptake of approximately 800 so far. It is working very well. There can be a particular challenge when workers also need a visa. Currently, those are two separate systems and it can obviously cause a particular delay in that space. We are hopeful that the single application model will come to pass in due course. It will be welcome not just for the care sector but for all sectors. That is definitely important. The Deputy is absolutely right; we will be competing with international workers who are mobile workers. We need to make sure Ireland is welcoming and supportive of them coming to provide this really important role in addition to our local workers who will fill that.