I am advised by the HSE that the total number of people who left under the exit schemes was 2,003 as at 31st December 2010. Some queries are being finalised with some non HSE organisations that may result in some minor adjustment to the total numbers. There are also an additional 25 people on maternity leave who have the option to take up an exit package on their return that would bring the total to 2028
This comprised of 1,409 in the HSE and 594 in other eligible organisations. The total number of management/administration staff who left was 1364 while the total number of staff who left from support services was 639.
I also understand from the HSE that a human resources framework has been agreed with the relevant trade unions at national level to ensure that any gaps identified as a result of staff leaving under the exit schemes are being dealt with appropriately. This is being used by local management and local trade union officials to deal with the impact of those staff leaving under the schemes. On completion of the exit schemes an assessment was undertaken at local level to determine priority positions for reassignment. This process is ongoing at local level with the staff associations.
There are a number of other measures and actions being taken to minimise any affect on services through staff departing under the exit schemes. For example where a role can be suppressed or part of a role can be suppressed then this is being actioned to release staff to critical areas. In addition the HSE is seeking expressions of interest from staff in non front line areas that may be in a position to transfer in order to fill any gaps in front line services.
The HSE is managing this process on a regional basis to the greatest extent possible, so that local management have the flexibility to resolve any potential gaps in services.