Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
1334. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will give due consideration to expanding the number of advanced nurse practitioners WTE posts by 112 in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48598/23]
View answerI am hugely committed to supporting the career pathways for the nursing and midwifery workforce. As the Deputy may be aware, in November 2021, I increased the target for the number of nurses and midwives practicing at advanced level from 2% of the nursing and midwifery workforce to 3% and I allocated additional funding of €11 million to support this. With this funding, 149 additional WTE Advanced Nurse/ Midwifery Practitioners (ANMP) were recruited in 2022. Budget 2023 provided funding to recruit an additional 80 WTE ANMPs during 2023 and as of August 2023, the total number of both registered and candidate advanced nursing and midwifery practitioners ANMPs was 1,004 WTE.
Between the Budget 2024 allocation and conversion of agency costs I intend on supporting recruitment of more than two thousand more healthcare workers in 2024. This includes additional ANMP posts to make further progress towards reaching the target of 3% of the nursing and midwifery workforce practicing at advanced level. Specific details on allocation for 2024 will form part of the Letter of Determination and National Service Planning process between the HSE and my Department.
