Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy outlined the situation. One person is on maternity leave - I will check with the HSE about that because there should be a locum operating in that role - and another has left. The recruitment and retention of therapists has been a real issue for the HSE. There have been additional resources provided. Progress is slow. Approximately 272 extra whole-time equivalent staff were recruited last year. A further 111 are expected to join soon. The national vacancy rate dropped from 29% to 21% in 2024. How that manifests in the case of Mayfield is a different matter. I will try to ascertain the position in that regard. The Deputy's point is well made. We are alert to the need to recruit and to retain staff.

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