Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Minister's reply did not address the questions I posed. Government Deputies from the north east will be shocked to learn for the first time that this report has signalled the departure of those taking up the early retirement option by 29 February. In addition, following that, there is a requirement for a further exodus - "need" is the word used - of 561 staff across the health service. Is that also the case in the service plans for the other three areas? If so, I ask the Minister to withdraw these service plans which are a recipe for disaster. We already have a crisis of untold proportions in our health services, so at the very least, the Minister should indicate that he will set a date for lifting the recruitment moratorium. In that way we could replace essential front line staff.

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