Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

However, we need more beds in the health service. We will fund that through the capital plan which will be seen in the coming weeks.

Deputy O'Reilly is correct on the issue of recruitment and retention. That is why we have asked the public sector pay commission to look at strategies for recruitment and retention. This process was welcomed by the nurses' organisations and one to which they will contribute. My Department will also contribute to it. I hope the public sector pay commission will accept there is a challenge, particularly with the retention of medical staff.

On the issue of travel costs, there is no impact on front-line staff. I was referring to reducing corporate costs. Every agency should be able to try to find savings of 1% or 2%. Every household can do that.

See this speech in context