James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the total number of Health Service Executive staff that accepted the voluntary redundancy package; the total cost of the redundancy scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1937/11]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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In early November 2010 I announced that the Government had decided to approve a voluntary early retirement (VER) scheme and a voluntary redundancy (VR) scheme for certain categories of staff in the public health service. The purpose of the schemes was to achieve a permanent reduction in the numbers employed in the public health sector from 2011 onwards and to facilitate health service reform.

The VER and VR schemes were open to employees in the management and administrative staff and general support staff categories. The exact grades covered by the two schemes were set out in detail in the relevant Circular (Circular 7/2010). The schemes were not targeted at those providing front-line services.

The most recent detailed information available from the HSE indicates that 2,003 individuals have departed from the health service under the schemes; 641 in respect of the voluntary early retirement scheme and 1,362 in respect of the voluntary redundancy scheme. However, there may be minor adjustments to the numbers as outstanding queries are finalised. Of the total, 1,409 were HSE employees while the balance (594) were employed in voluntary hospitals, disability organisations etc. 876 individuals employed in the HSE availed of the voluntary redundancy scheme.

I understand from the most recent information from the HSE that the once off cost in 2010 of both schemes was in the region of €100m and the likely savings are expected to be in the region of €50m to €70m annually. The HSE is currently collating definitive information in relation to the costs of these schemes.