Mr. Patrick McGlynn:

I can come in on this. Deputy Sherlock is correct that there are very large variances between the various hospitals and where agency cost growth is. Some of the hospitals are well into double digit growth this year in this regard. The overall rate of growth is in the region of 8%. Measures are being taken by HSE management. We have had meetings with HSE management to introduce much stronger controls over when agency costs can be incurred. These are mainly to do with authorisation but we must also consider patient safety at the same time. Measures have definitely been implemented throughout the HSE in recent weeks towards reducing agency costs.