Hospital Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2013

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Ceisteanna (526)

Ann Phelan

Ceist:

526. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm if the inferred allocation of increased staffing has been approved for the New Accident and Emergancy Unit at St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny in view of the fact that it is imperative that this matter is resolved prior to completion of the project to ensure that a new facility is not lying vacant due to lack of appropriate and relevant staffing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28907/13]

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. In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.