Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the issue. The Minister gave a general outline of the numbers leaving but he did not give any commitments in practice on the ground in terms of front line services. He has said that 2,567 people are leaving the health service in this eight week period, coupled with 1,800 who left immediately before Christmas. The 4,300 staff leaving the health service will cause problems on the front line, especially nursing grades. Every time we have spoken on this topic we speak about nursing grades. I believe Ministers are asking the Minister for concessions on Revenue staff and other staff. There should be a concession on a significant redeployment of nursing grade staff. This morning on the radio we heard that circulars have been sent to nursing unions suggesting a change from the 12-hour shift to a six-hour shift basis. If that is emerging in the 24 hours prior to people retiring, how can the Minister possibly expect proper arrangements to be put in place?

Will the Minister clarify the position on staff in the Department of Social Protection? Given that 246 staff are leaving, will the Minister ensure there will not be a further increase in delays in terms of processing means-tested payments such as jobseeker's allowance and carer's allowance and that arrangements will be in place for the appeals office with the line Minister, as some appeals are running over 12 months at the moment in cases where there is an oral hearing?

I am aware the Cabinet again discussed filling key vacancies in the Garda Síochána. In my constituency the chief superintendent has retired and two superintendents have retired in County Laois but there has not been any information about replacing them. Will the Minister give a commitment before this week is out on the filling of those posts?

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