Question from Deputy Michael Cahill - PQ 34226-26

To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 2778 of 14 April 2026, (re Staffing vacancies at University Hospital Kerry (UHK) which stated that the Hospital is not impacted by 30% of health and social care posts remaining unfilled) if he will confirm the length of time these vacancies have existed; if they will be filled in a temporary capacity pending permanent appointments; his views that there will be additional vacancies due to sick leave and maternity leave, and that the HSE has a 9.57% absence rate for staff who work in patient and client care positions; his views on whether patients are receiving the best care and service, with this level of vacancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter.