Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Let me give the House an absolute assurance that the Minister for Health is taking this very seriously. Mr. Justice Peter Kelly is a serious individual and when he makes a judgment like this the Government listens and acts on it.

It is important to outline to the House how recruitment in the HSE actually works. HSE recruitment is managed by the national recruitment service. Non-consultant hospital doctor recruitment is handled at individual hospital group level. NCHD interviews are held at hospital level and local clinicians are involved in interviewing and the selection process. Recruitment in the HSE is subject to the Commission for Public Service Appointments codes of practice. The HSE is also subject to regular monitoring and auditing by the commission of its recruitment and selection activities.

The HSE is currently undertaking a detailed review of recruitment processes with a view to introducing a revised model next year. The concerns that the Deputy raised are being and will be taken very seriously in the context of that review.

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