Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 December 2018
132. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the reason the health service has not published a funded workforce plan for nursing and midwifery for 2018; if a plan will be forthcoming in 2018; if there has been progress on a 2019 plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50780/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Nursing Recruitment and Retention Agreement was agreed between the parties in 2017. This agreement provided for a funded workforce plan for 2017 and for funded workforce plans to be developed for subsequent years. Progress was made by the HSE in relation to recruitment in 2017, with the number of nurses and midwives increasing by 942 WTEs (including student nurses). This meant that 77% of the target of the 1,224 WTEs set out in the funded workforce plan for 2017 was met. I understand that a draft workforce plan was shared with the nursing union in June 2018 but it has not been agreed as yet. It should be noted that recruitment of nurses has continued throughout 2018, notwithstanding the absence of an agreed plan. Recruitment of all staff within the HSE, including nurses and midwives, must be on an affordable basis. Planning for all recruitment, including nurses and midwives, is being developed in the context of the HSE’s National Service Plan 2019 which is at an advanced stage of drafting.
