Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this really important issue, which has been raised previously on the floor of the Dáil. Public health nurses for young people, young babies and older people are hugely important the length and breadth of the country. We have been challenged, especially in areas of County Dublin and the city, in being able to facilitate the employment of public health nurses. This has been raised with the Department of Health and the HSE. They are actively trying to recruit into these areas. I think everybody is in agreement as to how important public health nurses are, especially for developmental checks. My understanding is that the HSE will try to put in place interim measures in the short term but I will ask for a written response to the Deputy.

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