I propose to take Questions Nos. 1498, 1508, 1551, 1552 and 1672 together.
The HSE’s National Service Plan 2012 set a target reduction of up to 50% in expenditure on agency staffing. On the basis of the pattern of expenditure to July 2012, it is not expected that this level of reduction will be achieved. In the light of the current serious budgetary situation in the HSE, senior management have issued strict instructions on the use of agency staffing. Agency staff may be used only in the most exceptional of circumstances and when all alternative avenues have been exhausted. Such staff may only be engaged when signed off by identified senior management.
Following the enactment of the Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Act this year, the HSE provided guidance to public service employers on the Act, including the fact that the equal pay provisions of the Act have retrospective effect to 5th December 2011. All agency staff employed through agencies contracted by the HSE have now had their basic pay adjusted in accordance with the Act. The HSE and the contracted agencies are currently making arrangements for the calculation and payment of back money due to agency staff.