Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013
987. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health in consideration of his proposal to reduce the Health Service Executive staff by 3,000, the way he proposes to ensure that the present level of front line staff within the HSE across the range of services are kept at their present numbers [58112/12]
View answerThis is a very challenging target given the level of staff reductions that have been achieved in recent years.
In order to mitigate the impact on frontline services of the reduction in employment numbers, the priority is to reform how health services are delivered in order to ensure a more productive and cost effective health system. Therefore, the HSE is using the provisions of the Public Service Agreement to bring about greater flexibilities in work practices and rosters, redeployment and other changes to achieve more efficient delivery of services.
Staff reductions will be pursued throughout 2013 through natural turnover (retirements and resignations) and such other targeted measures or initiatives as may be determined by Government in relation to the health sector or the wider public service.
The HSE National Service Plan provides for investment of an additional 1,025 WTEs in a number of key prioritised areas, as well as the completion of the 2012 mental health investment programme (400+) posts. Also, a graduate nurse employment programme will be implemented, involving the recruitment of up to 1,000 nurses on two-year contracts. This will provide additional nursing capacity at service level.
