Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2019
406. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of therapists that will be recruited in total on foot of the announcement in budget 2020 of extra community health staff to be provided; and the total number that will be in place in 2020. [41924/19]
View answerThe recent Budget included an additional 2020 provision of €10 million (€60 million in a full year) for the enhancement of community and primary care. I particularly welcome the advance commitment to €60 million in 2021 as it will enable the recruitment of up to 1,000 therapists, nurses and other professionals in the community on a phased basis during the course of next year. This will allow for these funded posts to be in place by the end of next year and throughout 2021 in order to address the needs identified in the Health Service Capacity Review recommendations. This funding will also facilitate the recruitment of dementia advisers. The planning for these posts will be in conjunction with the development of the new regional health areas so as to reflect the specific needs of the region.
