Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is an issue, one accentuated by the fact that the HSE has recruited approximately 20,000 people in the past three years. While that recruitment is welcome, it has a consequence, especially given the tightness in the labour market and the shortage of people with the necessary skills and experience. We are examining the sections 38, 39, 56 and 10 issue. In the case of hospices, the Governments has decided that they are to become section 38 bodies. They are currently section 39 ones. Other section 39 bodies have recently been going through a Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, process. I have met a number of them directly. Many of my colleagues have also raised this matter. Many of the groups cannot compete at this point in time in terms of recruitment and retention. This is an issue that the Government is aware of and is examining.

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