Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. The honest answer is that I am not aware but I will certainly find out for her today. Often in this House, I come across scenarios where posts are funded but recruitment campaigns have yet to find a suitable candidate. I do not know whether that is the case in this regard but I will certainly inquire. We have provided very significant additional funding to hire more people to work in our health services, and the Deputy has highlighted a post that is clearly crucial to the mental health and well-being of people in Clare. She has given the CSO statistics to show the urgency of it. I will inquire and come back to the Deputy directly.

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