HSE Staffing

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 February 2013

Tuesday, 26 February 2013

Ceisteanna (720)

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

720. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will immediately lift the moratorium on staff recruitment in the Health Service Executive and appoint occupational therapists to address the waiting lists for occupational therapy intervention in County Kerry and the waiting list for paediatric occupational therapy in the County Kerry; if he will address these waiting lists that are most unreasonable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10244/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Government has decided that the numbers employed across the public service must be reduced in order to meet its fiscal and budgetary targets. The health sector must make its contribution to that reduction. However, the HSE can make staff appointments once it remains within its overall employment ceiling and has the financial resources to do so. As the recruitment of occupational therapists is a matter for the HSE in the first instance, the Deputy's enquiry has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.