We now move to Questions on Promised Legislation. Some 15 Deputies have indicated and we have 15 minutes. I call Deputy Cowen.

The State's dependence on agency nursing staff cost €160 million up to May of this year. There are significant difficulties retaining full-time nursing staff. It now appears that agency costs will rise 20% in the coming year. How does the Government square that circle in the light of the issues that have arisen as a result of the inconclusive report of the Public Sector Pay Commission, the chair of which stated that the standard of available analytical evidence meant that its recommendations lack the credibility they deserve?

I am unsure of the Deputy's question.

The Government is paying up to €160 million for nursing agency staff. There are issues retaining full-time staff related to pay and conditions. In the light of a further 20% increase in the cost of agency staff, will the Government continue to rely on such workers?

That is why we asked the commission to consider the issue of nurses' pay. It made recommendations which the Government is willing to implement for some of the reasons outlined by the Deputy.