Ms Rosarii Mannion:

It is a factor. There is no quick-fix to some of the issues that have emerged over a number of years and that are a response to a number of unplanned instances. We are absolutely aware of the issues and are working through them. The addition of 98 consultants on our payroll in February 2018 is certainly a factor in respect of some of the improvements that were made.

Would I say that I was entirely happy with all of that and that we have made all of the improvements we need to make? Absolutely not. Will we be certainly be making more improvements in the course of the year? Absolutely. Will we be in a better space next year? I believe we will.

As I have already stated to the committee, there are significant issues here. There is a global shortage in a lot of the medical personnel across all jurisdictions. It is not a unique issue to the Irish health service. Notwithstanding that, of course we can do better.

Moving to the questions, if that is okay-----