Mr. Bernard Gloster:

I can absolutely confirm for the Senator that the recruitment freeze that was in place has gone but in any event had no impact. The Minister made special arrangements and the Department gave me approval this year for, I would say, one of the earliest opportunities ever in a capital development. I have given formal approval to the mid-west to commence recruitment for the 96-bed block to ensure staff are contracted, can come on the payroll any time from 1 January onwards and will be there in time to open that facility. The additional numbers I talked about earlier with Deputy Hourigan are being provided by the Department in 2025 for that.