Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While I certainly recognise the Deputy's concerns, I can assure him that all Ministers, including myself, certainly take more than a passing interest in health. I have come to the House to relay the information given directly to me by the Minister for Health, who is unavoidably absent. I am sure he would be happy to engage with the Deputy further. I wish to reiterate that there are genuine reasons for the decision taken by the director of nursing who, in law, is obligated to take decisions in the best interests of patients. That is what she did in this instance. The HSE has informed the Minister that it expects the situation to be resolved in the next fortnight. It is a staffing issue and the approach of the director of nursing is a responsible one.

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