Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 June 2013
639. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which nursing assistant posts have been filled in line with requirements in each of the past four years to date; the likely development in this regard in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30833/13]
View answerThe Government has decided that the numbers employed across the public service must be reduced, in order to meet fiscal and budgetary targets. As a major employer, the health sector must make a significant contribution to this reduction. This policy requires that by the end of 2013, the health service achieves a workforce of 98,955 wholetime equivalents (WTEs).
The HSE may continue to recruit staff in exceptional circumstances, where it has been established that there is an urgent service requirement and that this can be accommodated within the budgetary constraints and its overall employment ceiling.
I have asked the Executive to compile the information in relation the number of Nursing Assistant posts that have been filled in each of the past four years and reply directly to the Deputy.
