I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 to 22 inclusive together.
I am not at this time in a position to say precisely what staff will be required for the new general hospital in Tralee or when any such posts will be advertised. The staffing needs of the new hospital are being identified by a commissioning group representative of my Department and the Southern Health Board as a matter of urgency. The staff of the existing hospital can be assured that they will receive every consideration when the filling of senior posts in the new hospital is being determined.
The recruitment of any additional staff agreed would of course be a matter for the Chief Executive Officer of the Southern Health Board and the normal recruiting procedures would apply.