Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not want to speak for the INMO but my recollection of its request at the emergency department taskforce last week, which it co-chaired - that is an important point - was that there would be a meeting of the staff panel. That is happening this week as a result of its request. We were also told at the emergency department taskforce that staff around the country had volunteered for alternative rostering, put their names forward and put their hands up to play their part this winter in dealing with what is a significantly busy time. I accept that there are challenges all year round but this is a particularly busy time.

We are delivering a winter plan this year that will see in 2019, for the first time since 2009, more than 11,000 hospital beds operating throughout the health service. We are trying to take a different approach this year, considering all of the winter but particularly the period from 17 December to the middle of January when there tends to be a particular surge. The HSE is considering a clinical lead, as we had for the papal visit, so that we can co-ordinate this. I do not believe there is a particular animosity or disagreement between the health service and the unions. I certainly have not been made aware of any.

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