Vol. 561 No. 1
141 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of personnel recorded in the health service census for 2001 up to the end of December 2002; the figure which is the current authorised employment level in the health service following the budget day announcements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3325/03]
183 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children the implications for staffing levels in the health services of the Government's restrictions on recruitment in the public service; if it is intended that overall staff numbers will be reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3406/03]
348 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of personnel recorded in the health service census for 2001 and for 2002; the current authorised employment level in the health service following the budget day announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3349/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 141, 183 and 348 together.
There were a total of 92,996 personnel in whole-time equivalent terms – 90,301 excluding home helps – recorded in the annual health service personnel census at end-2001. The census in respect of end-2002 is currently being complied by my Department. The Deputies may wish to note that since 1997, there has been an increase of in excess of 28,000 – 42% – in the approved employment ceiling for the health services bringing the authorised employment ceiling to 96,000 – excluding home helps. The contribution of the health service to the planned reduction in public service employment through natural wastage over the next three years is currently being examined by my Department. In implementing this measure a key priority will be to minimise the impact on front-line service delivery.
