Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have provided significant investment since 2020, with more than €56 million allocated specifically to the HSE for the implementation of the safe nurse staffing framework. This is on a phased basis nationally. Our health service has been funded again this year to expand its overall numbers but also to do so next year. However, it is important the HSE operates within its budget levels. We all have to within our Departments. Whether it is justice, housing or health, we all have to work within those budgets.

That said, there is unprecedented levels of investment going into our health service. As of August 2024, there were 27,900 more staff working in our health service than at the beginning of 2020. That is a 23% increase, including 9,300 nurses and midwives, in excess of 4,000 health and social care professionals, and more than 3,300 doctors. The Ministers for Health and public expenditure again agreed a record budget this year which will allow again for the recruitment of further staff. While we all want to do more, we must work within our budgets. We have seen an unprecedented increase in staffing across the health sector.

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