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

I reaffirm not just what the Deputy said but the fact that the staffing requirements for the Roscommon endoscopy unit are being considered as we speak. Twelve nurses, three administrative staff and four health care assistants will be needed. The revenue cost will be €998,000 - almost €1,000,000 - and the costs to facilitate the opening of the unit in 2016 will be an additional €500,000. The Deputy was right in his original figure.

The situation is becoming easier with regard to recruitment. We do not have a surplus yet, but the situation is improving in terms of our ability to recruit. This time last year it would have been a different story because it would have been much more difficult, but this year it is becoming easier. We are still short, but nevertheless we have managed, in Roscommon in particular. I salute Deputy Feighan's tenacity. We have made significant progress.

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