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Nursing Staff Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 September 2013

Thursday, 26 September 2013

Questions (266)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

266. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the number of nurses engaged through the public health service has fluctuated in each of the past four years to date; if he is satisfied regarding the adequacy of nursing levels at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40301/13]

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Written answers

The number of nurses engaged in the public health service has reduced over the past four years in accordance with Government policy, arising from the requirement that the numbers employed across the public service must be reduced in order to meet fiscal and budgetary targets. The HSE can make essential staff appointments once it remains within its overall employment ceiling and has the financial resources to do so.

The number of nurses employed has reduced as follows:

-

30/6/2010

30/6/2011

30/6/2012

30/6/2013

Total WTE excl. career breaks

37,499

36,853

34,980

34,742

While I acknowledge the pressures that reducing budgets and staff numbers place on health service staff, including nurses, I am confident that the reforms which are ongoing and the flexibility introduced by the Croke Park and Haddington Road Agreements will allow the HSE to continue to meet service demands with the reduced nursing complement.

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