The Government has repeatedly denied since the budget that there is a recruitment embargo in the health service but this does not tally with the reality on the ground. I have spoken to multiple people affected by the freeze and one said to me that in Mayo we have nurses, healthcare workers, psychologists and desperately-needed front-line workers who cannot be placed in permanent positions because of the recruitment freeze. They are left languishing on panels while patients are left languishing on trolleys and ever-increasing waiting lists. We are in danger of losing these people to the private sector or forcing them to emigrate. Then we will run around the world trying to entice people to come home and to work here. It makes no sense whatsoever. Patients are suffering as a result of these shortages. Operations and procedures are being cancelled on an ongoing basis. The remaining staff become burnt out. When will this embargo be lifted in order that local managers can permanently fill the positions needed to deliver vital healthcare?

I thank Deputy Conway-Walsh for the question. I was delighted to work with the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, and the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, to secure 2,068 whole-time equivalent staff out of budget 2024. The service plan was signed off in recent weeks by the HSE board and by the Cabinet last week. We are working through the figures to allocate where the staff will go. This is across all elements of health. There are 2,068 whole-time equivalents funded for this year who will be recruited and put into place as soon as possible.

I am very anxious that the HSE has without delay an open recruitment campaign to enable the appointment of a permanent GP in Swanlinbar, County Cavan. Since the retirement of the previous permanent GP, a locum doctor has fulfilled the role of the doctor in charge on a four day per week basis. This contract is due to end on Thursday. The communities served by this medical practice in Glangevlin, Corlough, Templeport, Bawnboy and Swanlinbar are absolutely clear in their view, which I completely and strongly endorse, that this medical practice should have a permanent GP with a five-day service. The extensive west Cavan Border area has been served very well over the years with permanent medical practices in Ballyconnell, Blacklion and Swanlinbar. This is the configuration I firmly believe should remain as the essential component of healthcare for the people of this widespread rural area.

The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, and I are aware of the issue being raised by Deputy Smith. As for what has happened here, I believe that five separate attempts have been made to find a replacement for the GP who retired. Five separate recruitment campaigns have been run. As the Deputy is aware, more so than I am, these services have been provided on a locum basis since 2020. The HSE agrees with the Deputy that this is not a sustainable way in which the State can provide health services to the Deputy's constituents. The HSE is aware of this matter. It hopes to have a solution to it shortly. I will certainly pass on to the HSE the Deputy's concerns about the matter. I know the Department of Health is already aware of this.