Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I support Senator Henry's call for a debate on nursing. The issue has been put in focus due to the tragic death of Róisín Ruddle. Our hearts go out to her family. There are 45 nursing vacancies for the 115 intensive care nurses required in Crumlin Hospital – a scarcity which resulted in the child being referred home. The consultant has stated this could happen again because of the shortage of nurses. There is a problem with recruitment which will probably have to be solved by providing extra funding to pay nurses more for this highly skilled job.