There is a five-year waiting list for a first appointment at the adult diabetic clinic at the University Hospital Limerick. In addition to that, the UL Hospitals Group is the only hospital group in the country that does not have a dose adjustment for normal eating, DAFNE, clinic, which is now recognised as an essential part of the care for adult diabetics suffering from type 1 diabetes. The reason for that is that despite the fact the funding was approved about 12 months ago to recruit specialist staff, they have not been recruited as yet. When are those staff going to be recruited? I realise that the Taoiseach may not have the information to hand, but I would appreciate it if he would check the matter out and get back to me.

My understanding is that they are recruiting staff as we speak, but I accept that there is challenge overall in terms of recruitment, notwithstanding that 4,500 staff members were recruited last year. The funding was provided and it is frustrating that staff for key posts such as those referred to by the Deputy are not recruited in a more timely manner. I will take the issue up with the HSE.