Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
1276. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health his views on agency staff employed by the HSE; his further views on recruitment within the HSE as a whole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32893/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAgency staff are a great resource available to the health service in order to temporarily fill gaps. Budget 2021 provides funding for up to 15,738 additional posts in the Health Service Executive, above what was funded for 2020. For this staffing increase in 2021, the aim is that the entirety of the positions announced will be recruited through Health Service Executive contracts.
It is recognised that they may be logistical issues in recruiting and placing these staff in the timeframe needed, and that agency staff may be needed to fill the gaps until permanent employees are in position. However, the Department of Health is working closely with the Health Service Executive on this to ensure this recruitment is achieved and that these employees will be recruited on permanent Health Service Executive contracts by the end of 2021.
