Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I want to read again from my initial reply as I do not know if people deliberately misunderstand or refuse to hear. I said the HSE had advised that there were no service or budget reduction elements relating to this issue. The nurse was recruited. It was a difficult process and I understand that difficulty because we have had a similar difficulty in looking for nurses in areas in which there has been major development. The pre-employment checks that need to be made in the case of every person employed in the medical profession are good. Yes, they take time, but it is important that they happen.

I am not certain about this nurse's personal circumstances, but it may, for example, be someone who was living abroad. What I am certain of is that a nurse has been recruited and it will be a great relief to the HSE, me and, I assume, the people of Inishturk to have someone available to them 24-7. That is what is of central importance and it will and is happening. While I do not have the information on the starting date sought by Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, I will send it to him.

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