To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the projected registered nursing workforce that is required for the safe delivery of local health care; and (ii) how this projection is being strategically planned for.

Responsibility for ensuring registered nurse staffing levels are adequate to provide safe delivery of care rests with each individual employer. £12million has recently been allocated by the Health and Social Care Board for extra nurses in acute surgical and medical wards. Future investment will focus on emergency departments, district nursing and health visiting. A Nursing and Midwifery Workforce Plan for Northern Ireland has been completed by my Department and is currently being considered by officials.