Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is what I understand about stretch targets. It sets a parameter that people have to work within to try to achieve the target. "Stretch target" is a first for me too. The continued growth of the health and social care workforce is a top priority for the Department. The Deputy will appreciate that given the competitive international situation and the high demand for skilled health and social care workers, we will probably continue to face ongoing difficulties despite our best efforts. Many factors have impacted international recruitment. We will continue to market Ireland as an attractive destination and we will endeavour to retain as many of our current employees as possible to provide timely and quality health and social care for the citizens of Ireland. It is good to note that recruitment activity and employment levels of those directly employed in the provision of health and social care services shows continued sustained growth in the HSE census figures for each month, with a 1.9% growth increase, equating to 2,387 whole-time equivalents since the end of 2021. Officials in the Department continue to liaise with the HSE and other Government Departments and stakeholders to address recruitment challenges and to ensure we recruit and retain the required workforce to deliver our health services.

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