Recruitment of additional nurses and other frontline staff to support service delivery has been a priority for the HSE in the past two years as it has been possible to increase health funding. Consequently, the total number of nurses employed in the public service has increased from 34,300 in January 2014 to 35,521 in January 2016 (WTE's).
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on the specific issue raised. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.