Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 October 2022
193. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of additional staff funded in Budget 2023 excluding from previously-funded posts and staff not yet delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50648/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2023 has secured funding for the healthcare workforce to grow by six thousand whole-time equivalents in 2023.
There is a global shortage of healthcare workers and due to this supply constraint, the maximum growth achievable in 2023 has been estimated at six thousand whole-time equivalents. This is in addition to the recruitment needed to address attrition and retirements which is estimated to be up to 9,000 posts each year.
Despite the record-breaking workforce growth achieved since 2019, there will be funded but unfilled posts at the end of 2022 due to supply constraints. Funding for an additional six thousand posts has been secured again in 2023 to fund the continued expansion of the workforce.
