Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

The use of St. Vincent's Hospital in Fairview is a temporary arrangement and those currently residing in the hospital will be moved into the new unit in accordance with the wishes expressed during consultation with them and their families. A particular issue arises with regard to staffing in the Dublin and mid-Leinster region. Having met its targets in terms of reducing bed numbers and in its community based service, the recent exodus of nurses pushed staffing numbers in the region below a safe level. This issue is being addressed.

On the 414 additional posts, people are being recruited from panels in the other three regions and new panels will be established, where required. The appointees will be in place by the end of the summer. On the Dublin and mid-Leinster region-----

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