The numbers of staff employed in the public health service for the years 2008 to 2011 (the latest available data is for September 2011) are set out in the table below. This information is from the HSE Census.
The numbers employed across the Department of Health for the years in question are as follows: The reduction in staff numbers in 2011 can be attributed to the establishment of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) on the 2nd June 2011. This included the transfer of 89 WTE to the new Department. In addition, 16 WTE were transferred to the Department of Health from the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs.