Ms Laverne McGuinness:

The Deputy asked whether the HSE had responded to this issue only when HIQA had reported. That is not the case. Our estimates process starts well in advance. We had highlighted staffing issues at Loughglynn, Mulranny and Tuam ambulance stations as among our most significant priorities. Loughglynn featured in our 2014 capital plan. This station will be ready by the end of the year and funding is available. I understand job offers were made as late as today and that we will offer staff places at the earliest opportunity to address current deficits. This was part of a planned arrangement. We sought funding to address gaps and it has become available.