Ms Phil Ní Sheaghdha:

Unfortunately, the overcrowding situation is not improving. We believe that the number of beds has to be increased, for obvious reasons, and the staffing has to match. We have a lot of vacancies in University Hospital Limerick and we have insufficient nurses working in the hospital to provide the care. As we have already put on the public record in respect of the tragic events that happened - again we offer our sympathies to the family and the loved ones who have to now deal with the outcomes - we would simply state that the staffing caps are going to cause more heartbreak and it is preventable. We have to make the correlation that has been scientifically made, that where you have the correct numbers of staff, you will have safer services for patients.