Health Service Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 July 2012

Thursday, 5 July 2012

Questions (145)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

145 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will set out the manner in which the public service recruitment embargo is applied in the Health Service Executive; if he recognises, for example, that public advertisement for recruitment to posts within the HSE which are only open to existing HSE staff is unfair to otherwise qualified potential applicants; if suitable applicants from within the HSE are not found, the stage in the process applications from non-HSE staff are sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32876/12]

Written answers

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

The health sector is subject to overall Government policy on recruitment and must make an appropriate contribution to the Government commitment to the reduce public service numbers. Therefore, the health sector must ensure that all its existing resources are used appropriately and every attempt is made to fill vacancies that arise through redeployment and transfer from existing resources. Only where the HSE is satisfied that no suitable internal candidates are available will it consider recruiting externally.