Finian McGrath
Question:197. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the new Health Service Excutive voluntary redundancy scheme 2014 offer. [48555/13]
View answerWednesday, 13 November 2013
Questions (197)
Written answers
The Government has decided that the numbers employed across the public service must be reduced in order to meet its fiscal and budgetary targets. The health sector must make its contribution to that reduction. This policy requires the health service to reduce its workforce to just under 98,000 wholetime equivalent employees (WTE) by the end of 2014.
Earlier this year my Department authorised the introduction of a Targeted Voluntary Redundancy (VR) Scheme in the HSE and in organisations funded by the HSE under Section 38 of the Health Act 2004. The purpose of the scheme is to achieve a permanent reduction in numbers and to facilitate on-going health sector reform. The HSE will determine the areas and functions where there is scope to reduce employee numbers in the context of changing health sector structures and roles, for example, as a result of implementation of productivity measures provided for in the Haddington Road Agreement.
The scheme will be implemented on a rolling basis as appropriate areas and functions are identified. Employees in the areas targeted will be given an opportunity to avail of the scheme but there will be no automatic right to redundancy.
The HSE will operate the Targeted Voluntary Redundancy Scheme in 2014 and subsequent years as a key element in the reform of the health service. It will enable the HSE and other service providers to maximise the quantum and quality of services provided within the resources available.