Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

From that point of view, there is a central planning unit in the Department of Public and Expenditure and Reform, there are local sectoral planning units and each Department is monitoring the situation in so far as they are all concerned. For example, the Minister for Health has asked the HSE to draw up a risk assessment in regard to the staffing situation, which will identify particular pressure points that arise across the health sector.

It should be borne in mind that this is a decision people make for themselves in respect of their own lives and futures. Some are making this choice to leave earlier than might normally be expected, others because they are close to the normal retirement age and others because they want to get out for a variety of reasons. It is a decision being made by the significant number of people whom we now know have given their notice of intention to retire at the end of February.

The Minister for Health also intends to review the service plan once he has absolute clarity on the full impact of what is going to happen in the health service at the end of the 29 February grace period, as that is called. It is important to note that in the area of health, to which Deputy Martin referred, the Minister is accelerating the health reform agenda and building in new innovative and efficient models of care, for example, the clinical care programmes. The HSE national service plan includes a commitment within the context of the Croke Park agreement to address greater flexibilities in work practices and rosters, particularly for nursing and medical staff in front line services.

Deputy Martin made reference to Dr. Burke from Limerick. As a senior medical person, he, with many others, has a duty and a responsibility to keep the levels of service to the highest standard possible.

The situation in so far as flexibility is concerned will assist in staffing and budget reductions. The HSE plan recognises that certain positions may need to be filled, although this is, of course, subject to the overall pay and numbers for 2012. I point out that exempt grades for 2011 included consultant doctors, psychiatric nurses, emergency medical technicians and public health nurses. That review is constantly being monitored by the central unit in the Department of Public and Expenditure and Reform, in each individual line Department and by each Minister. Local managers are looking at the potential impact of the numbers in the local areas and this is being monitored by the sectoral groups within the central Department of Public and Expenditure and Reform.

See this speech in context