Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 4

Written Answers. - Hospital Staff.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

112 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which the number of doctors, nurses and other health personnel have been increased to cater for the vastly increased demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12773/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The large increases in the numbers of personnel employed in the health service, including doctors, nurses and other health professionals, between 31 December 1996 and 31 December 2000 are as set out in the following table. The total level of health service employment has increased from 65,755 in 1996 to 81,513 in 2000, an increase of 24%. Figures in respect of 31 December 2001 are being compiled at present.

Health Service Employment 31/12/1996–31/12/2000

	1996	2000	Increase(decrease)
Maintenance Technical	1,618	1,533	85
Management/admin	8,151	12,338	4,187
Medical/Dental	4,684	5,698	1,014
Nursing	27,170	29,177	2,007
Paramedical	5,576	7,613	2,036
Support Services	18,556	25,154	6,598
Total	65,755	81,513	15,758

Note 1: All figures are expressed as rounded wholetime equivalents.

Note 2: The grade category of management/admin. includes staff involved in frontline services for patients (e.g. Consultants' Secretaries, Community Welfare Officers, Out-Patient and A&E Department Personnel, Ward Clerks, Medical Records Personnel.)

Note 3: Figures supplied are as recorded in the anual Health Service Personnel which is recorded at 31 December each year.

Question No. 113 answered with Question No. 65.