Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 150: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of employees retained in the health service since it was announced there would be a reduction of 500 persons in the health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35490/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Employment information for the health service is collected on a quarterly basis and the latest available verified data is in respect of end-June 2005, when employment levels stood at 100,934 personnel in whole-time equivalent terms. Employment information in respect of year-end 2002 to end-June 2005 is as set out in the following table.

The Deputy may wish to note that there has been no alteration to Government policy on employment ceilings in the public sector, including the health service. Approved employment levels for the health service have been adjusted since 2002 in line with Government policy on public sector employment and also to take account of specific policy measures aimed at increasing service levels for patients. The employment ceiling for the health service currently stands at 97,550, in whole-time equivalent terms. This ceiling reflects not only the 600 post adjustment required by the Government decision on public sector numbers but also includes an increase of 1,200 posts in respect of the opening of new units in 2005. Further increases in the employment ceiling for the health service in 2005 are being finalised by my Department and the Department of Finance in respect of both the accident and emergency initiative and the Disabilities Act 2005.

I have repeatedly stressed the need for compliance with approved employment levels consistent with safeguarding and indeed enhancing the delivery of front line services and achieving an appropriate balance between clinical and non-clinical employment levels in the health service. The proper management of employment levels and skill mix together with the prioritisation of front line services is of course central to the organisation of human resources and is the most effective mechanism for ensuring the best use of resources overall within the health service. This has been underlined by my Department in direct discussions with the HSE's senior management team and in the context of the finalisation of the executive's national service plan for 2005. There is a general consensus that the organisation of human resources is critical to good service delivery. My Department will continue to work closely with the HSE in this matter.