I raise the situation affecting newly qualified nurses from the University of Galway, a number of whom come from County Clare, who have been in touch with me about an issue in the past few days. In January, the graduating class of about 80 nurses was told they would get permanent positions after graduation. They followed the usual pre-recruitment steps over the next few months and were expecting to get their job offers during the summer. Interviews were done and a panel was formed but that seems to have been totally undone now, with recruitment almost completely stalled. Orientation for these nurses was due to start in the past week but so far, I am told, only nine of the 80 nurses have actually received jobs. The remaining 71 are in a total state of limbo. I understand there is a huge number of staff nurse vacancies in University Hospital Galway that could be filled with these posts. At a time when we need nurses more than ever, these nurses are wondering what can be done, given the promise that was made to them when they graduated. Can the Government give any commitment to these nurses that they will be offered jobs in our front-line hospitals soon?

During the summer, there was an acceleration of recruitment within the HSE. That was even above approved staffing levels, so it has created a challenge for the HSE. That said, the HSE is looking at the nursing issue, specifically what can be done to accommodate those who have graduated. There are pressures on the HSE budget. There is no point in saying otherwise. We would like to prioritise front-line workers and particularly the recruitment of nurses. Over the past number of years, we have been in a position to provide vacancies for the full complement of graduates coming out of nursing colleges. That has been good because it creates good opportunities and prospects for graduates and is also good for the health service. I will continue to engage with the Minister on this.