Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 July 2021
57. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a report on the implementation of the consultant-led public health model in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37663/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and the Health Service Executive (HSE) are committed to delivering on the recommendations that were made for Public Health in the Crowe Horwath report. The report recognised the very important role that public health medicine plays in the health of our population and in how our health service is managed and delivered.
An agreement was reached with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) in May 2021 that will support the implementation of a fundamentally reformed consultant led public health model at a national and regional level which is aligned with international best practice.
Implementation of this agreement is now in progress and finalisation of the new operating model for Public Health is expected in the coming weeks.
Further to this agreement, I also committed to significant investment in Public Health when I announced plans to double the current workforce last September, by recruiting an additional 255 permanent staff, to include public health doctors, nurses, scientists, and support staff. In a highly competitive employment market, created by the pandemic, the HSE has to date filled 152 of these roles, increasing staffing levels in our Public Health system from 254 to 406 employees. In addition to this being an important part of our response to the pandemic, it is also an investment in the future development of our Public Health function. Recruitment for the remaining positions continues to be a priority for the HSE.
