Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her very in-depth response. This all comes down to staffing, which is probably the key issue in this debate. I would like to welcome the Minister of State's statement regarding the 12 whole-time equivalents. However, four are still to be appointed. The actual issue is similar to the nursing issue, namely, whether we have the correct quality of workmanship and staff available. When we are trying to recruit staff to the sector, do we have to go abroad? What incentives are in place to bring those living abroad here to work?

The Minister of State previously stated during another debate that the State is trying to entice nurses home by paying them an extra €1,500. Are we going down that road in order to try to entice people to fill these roles? It is to be hoped that if staff are recruited services can be delivered. I again thank the Minister of State for her kind response.