Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 December 2014
134. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Health further to the lifting of the embargo on recruitment in the public sector by him if that decision will facilitate the transfer of Health Service Executive staff between hospitals, particularly within hospital groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47459/14]
View answerRestrictions on the employment of additional staff will be eased in 2015 as a result of announcements in the Budget. This will give HSE management greater autonomy to manage their own staffing profile, with discretion over staffing levels within an overall pay framework resulting in flexibility to introduce measures for the most cost effective arrangements to meet service requirements and deliver care.
In 2015, Hospital Groups will develop Strategic Plans covering a three year period. Of key importance will be the flexible use of all resources available, including staff, to facilitate the development of a more a co-ordinated approach to the planning and delivery of services within and across the hospital groups, with an increased focus on small hospitals managing routine, urgent or planned care locally and more complex care managed in the larger hospitals.
