Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I note the Senator's concerns. It is a difficult balance to get all of these staffing challenges right. One cannot push too many nurses into the public health nurse programme without leaving the acute side short, so it is about getting the balance right and trying to manage the available resources, while trying to increase the overall intake of nurses. As I outlined, there is a workplace planning programme in place to try to address that infrastructural deficit at the base level. When we can increase that number, we can then increase the overall numbers. I have outlined some positive steps, which the Senator has acknowledged.I also appreciate the Senator's concern that it may not go far enough to resolve the issues. I am happy to pass on the additional information she sought.