Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 January 2024
57. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the NCHDs in an organisation (details supplied) have said that they expect to call a ballot for industrial action in response to the recruitment freeze announced recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1650/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn May 2023, an instruction issued from the CEO of the HSE to temporarily pause recruitment across Managerial/Administration grades. This was part of a suite of control measures due to the HSE surpassing it's funded recruitment targets for the year.
By November 2023, the recruitment pause was further extended to include most staff categories, excluding Consultant appointments and Graduate Nurses and Midwives and Doctors in formal approved Training Programmes.
There has been significant and ongoing growth in NCHD numbers. As of October 2023, the total NCHDs workforce stands at 8,679 WTE. This is an increase of 664 WTE year-to-date (2023). Since 2019, NCHDs have grown by 1,883 WTE.
I established The National Taskforce on the Non-Consultant Hospital Doctor (NCHD) Workforce in September 2022 in order to enhance working conditions for NCHD's in Ireland. This is an ongoing process whereby I receive regular reports and updates from the Taskforce to implement improvements concurrently.
I am aware that on the 18th December 2023, the IMO announced that they expect to call a ballot for industrial action in the New Year in response to the current recruitment pause. It is essential that industrial peace is upheld in the interests of our health service. NCHDs are a critical part of the health service and the Government and I continue to recognise their importance.
