Denis Naughten
Question:192. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health his plans for the National Ambulance Service to recruit paramedics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26320/14]
View answerWednesday, 18 June 2014
Questions (192)
Written answers
The Government has decided that the numbers employed across the public service must be reduced in order to meet fiscal and budgetary targets. 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. The revised working arrangements provided for in the Haddington Road Agreement are a pivotal element in this regard.
Subject to approval by senior managers, arrangements are in place in the HSE to allow the recruitment of staff where it has been established that there is an urgent service requirement. In addition, the HSE continues to fill a significant number of development posts in line with service priorities identified by Government. As this is an operational matter, the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.