Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2012
588. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he remains committed to the provision of 300 additional frontline posts in the area of primary care; the reason these posts have yet to be announced; when these posts will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42777/12]
View answer589. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he intends for a consortium of general practitioners to employ the additional frontline posts that are needed for the roll out of primary care or if he is still committed to providing these posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42778/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 588 and 589 together.
The HSE's National Primary Care Office and Health Intelligence Unit has, in recent months, developed a Resource Allocation model, based on deprivation and need. Using this model, the HSE completed a detailed analysis of the numbers and distribution of public health nurses, registered general nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech and language therapists. Based on this analysis, it proposed that the following additional posts be recruited: 70 Public Health Nurses; 37 Registered General Nurses; 51 Occupational Therapists; 46 Physiotherapists; 47 Speech & Language Therapists.
The HSE has sought approval to increase its Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) ceiling to facilitate the recruitment process. Discussions are ongoing with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard.
