Ms Phil Ní Sheaghdha:

There are no exemptions at present. Up to July, when the pay and numbers strategy was introduced, we had negotiated with the HSE that some exemptions to the moratorium would be in place for safety-critical posts. For example, midwives, ICU nurse positions, some cancer services posts and some emergency department and theatre nurse positions were exempt. However, that changed when the pay and numbers strategy was introduced. What has happened is that the six regions have each been allocated a sum of money and they must determine what posts they will fill based on the money that is available. Some have advised us that the total across all grades would be in and around 260 posts for one region. However, we know that, in that location alone, there are about 400 vacancies in nursing and midwifery. It does not make any sense not to look at what is required to provide the required patient safety levels. We have measured that requirement and the Government has accepted our measurement. In fact, the Government and the Department of Health initiated that study. They know what is required. When that does not translate to protections for those posts, it is a futile exercise.