The programme for Government states that to recruit and retain talent, it will "Implement the new procedures to ensure more efficient and timely recruitment of nurses".

I am sure the Tánaiste has read the open letter to the Government from a student nurse, Tara Nic Chormaic, which states the pay and conditions under which student nurses work are beyond shocking and that they and the job they do are worth much more. It asks when the Government will recognise this. When will it make good on the commitment it has given in that regard? Tara is an example of the talent the Government has committed to recruiting and retaining. The health service and the Government are failing student nurses.

There is a big focus on trying to recruit more nurses into the system. They are being offered full-time contracts and other incentives to stay in Ireland and work in the health system. However, it is important to acknowledge that nurses work in many tough environments in the health system. The emergency departments in many hospitals are particularly pressurised. It is not easy for nurses or doctors. That is why we are trying to change things-----

It is not changing the system.

------by implementing a reform programme and a dramatic and steady increase in funding for the health system to provide a better working environment and better working conditions.