Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2020
779. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health if the necessary recruitment and investment will be increased for hospital consultants and healthcare science staff required to boost capacity in diagnostic services in view of the reduced capacity of HSE diagnostic pathways. [14199/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government recognises that significant additional capacity is required in the context of responding to COVID-19. It also recognises that, in addition, even before its impact, additional capacity would be required to provide access to quality services and to meet the needs of our growing population.
Work is ongoing in the Department and in the HSE to quantify what the public health sectors workforce requirements will be going forward across all services, including capacity requirements to ensure sufficient diagnostic services. The provision of diagnostic services is a key platform of Sláintecare and will be a priority in the months and years ahead.
