Mr. Bernard O'Regan:

At the moment, the average vacancy rate across the CDNTs is approximately 25%. It varies and there are teams that have approximately 50% of the proper staffing but there are also teams whose levels are much higher. We are currently in the process of compiling a report on that. We will be able to share the data with the committee in the coming weeks, once the report is completed.

With regard to recruitment, Mr. Reid has mentioned the various strategies that the HSE is engaging in. It should be noted that the HSE is not the only recruiter of staff for the CDNTs. Much of the recruitment is also led by service providers. I refer to both those with a section 38 relationship with the HSE and those with a section 39 relationship with it. They are also experiencing difficulties relating to the challenges of the availability of staff and so on. It is important to note that it is not just the HSE that is challenged in this regard. This is something that our service provider partners are also experiencing.