Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Of course I will bring Deputy Quinlivan's points to the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris. I take the Deputy's point that it is very important for us to listen to the voices of the nurses on the ground. INMO has always been very positive and constructive in the negotiations, especially in the last 12 months, because both sides have the patient at heart. Their voices should be heard when we are involved in the development of the health service.

We have a problem in relation to filling nursing positions. It is a difficulty and the Government is working hard to tackle this. We have the money for it in the budget, but it is difficult to recruit some of the nurses. We are trying very hard, and the Minister, Deputy Harris, is working very hard on that matter.

The new emergency department in University Hospital Limerick is absolutely state of the art. It will be open soon and I wish everyone in it well. It shows that when we do things we can do them well. Let us hope we can always improve patient safety and best practice.

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