Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The figures I have show that the churn in the Department of Health is similar to other Departments. I am not concerned about the numbers who have left. Strong teams have been put in place.

There is something for us all to reflect on. As the Deputy will be aware from her time as a Minister of State at the Department, those who work in the Department of Health are on the receiving end of relentless negativity every day, every week. At a human level it can be difficult to work in that environment day in and day out, where the only thing a person hears is that nothing is working in healthcare - which is not true - and that there is a perpetual crisis. It is probably something we should all reflect on. It is difficult for anyone working year after year in that environment.

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