Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:536. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3965/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 30 January 2024
Ceisteanna (536)
Freagraí scríofa
The Recruitment Pause is still in place except for Disability services, Consultants and Graduate Nurses and Doctors. The reality is that the HSE exceeded its 2023 funded workforce targets, which is neither affordable or sustainable.
As of the end of December 2023, there were 145,985 staff working in our health service. This was an increase of 8,239 since the start of January 2023. The HSE was funded to hire an additional 6,010 staff – meaning it was over by almost 2,200.
It was essential that controls were put in place in the latter part of 2023 in order to protect the HSE’s ability to continue to recruit essential roles in 2024. Funding for an additional 2,268 staff has been secured by the Minister for Health for 2024. Plans for the immediate recruitment of these staff are currently being put in place by the HSE.