Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I agree with the comments of the previous speakers. We must get more information anyway from it. The article was very serious and concerning, particularly the commentary that was used and quoted in the article of 13 February. In that vein, I welcome the clarity of this letter, particularly about the actual sum initially sought by the HSE, which was €35 million. While the agreed budget was €37 million, there was an additional €10 million allocated.

In terms of the clarity in respect of recruitment, we know on this committee from across the country the challenge of recruitment that is faced by industry anyway, let alone in the public sector. It is helpful that this correspondence has set the record straight, but the tone and some of the commentary of that article are concerning to say the least.

Therefore the letter itself should be published and we should seek further information, as has been requested already. Then we can take it up with the Department and the HSE the next time they are before the committee.