Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

The HSE service plan states that continuing the current number of temporary agency staff would result in an additional cost of €30 million, which is substantial. How will this happen? It is not that we would wish that there would be a level of service in each individual hospital but that we would make it happen. Essentially I do not see how that can be done without setting a floor below which we cannot fall. That is the kind of thing that gives some certainty. Whether in an acute hospital or a general hospital, the ratio of beds to staff is critical. For example, in the case of nurses if it falls below a certain threshold problems arise. I cannot understand why there is no deliberate policy to try to keep it at a basic level. I am not arguing with the Minister about efficiencies or roster changes. They will deliver something. However, there is a level below which the service should not fall because the service cannot be delivered below that. This is the central point that concerns me about how it should happen.

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