Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. The key issue is the number of vacancies. Six months ago, according to the figures I received, 15 out of 25 whole time equivalent posts were vacant in the Cork, Kerry region. I seek an update on the recruitment campaign. Perhaps the Minister of State does not have up-to-date figures. I ask that the Department provide such figures to me in the next few hours. How is the recruitment campaign going and how many of those 15 vacancies have been filled since last March? The long-term goal is to fill those vacancies. I acknowledge there is an issue with trying to attract people but we must find staff to fill these vacancies. Otherwise, the problem of long waiting lists will just continue.