Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and the officials in his Department for the changes made to the atypical working scheme, AWS, to date. I welcome in particular the shortening to one month of the cooling-off period, which now means two AWS can be availed of in a 12 month period, and there is the ability to spread the 90 days over six months, supporting travel into and out of Ireland. As the Minister of State is aware, this scheme facilitates the many locum doctors and nurses who make up the significant shortfalls in our public health service because of the recruitment and retention crisis that exists there.

I was approached to raise this issue by Helen Downes on behalf of her fantastic team at Shannon Chamber. They have assured me that officials within the Minister of State's Department have been incredibly helpful in working with them, and they asked me to pass on their thanks. They have also requested that I ask the Minister of State if he might be in a position to meet with me and a delegation from the Clare Chamber at some point soon. I would be most grateful if the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, would oblige this request. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit.

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