Written answers

Wednesday, 1 November 2006

Department of Health and Children

Health Service Staff

6:00 am

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 433: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when she will conclude the discussions between her Department, the Department of Finance and the Health Service Executive regarding the review of the health service employment ceiling; if, as a result of these discussions, the employment ceiling will be raised; if so, the amount of same; if figures from the Census 2006 Preliminary Report are being used to determine the increased need for service in locations experiencing rapid population growth; the action available to her to overcome the imbalance between clinical and non-clinical posts and geographic imbalance in service delivery; the staff ceiling revisions identified in relation to new service developments and areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35865/06]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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It is a matter for the Health Service Executive, as part of its management of its employment ceiling, to determine the appropriate staffing mix required to deliver its service plan priorities. I have consistently emphasised the importance of prioritising the filling of front line vacancies in complying with approved employment levels. I have also emphasised the need to achieve an appropriate balance between clinical and non-clinical posts, which is a matter for the Health Service Executive.

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. Following discussions with the Health Service Executive, my Department has submitted proposals to the Department of Finance seeking a revision to the health service employment ceiling. This revision has been sought in light of approved service developments during 2005 and 2006 and to reflect a more inclusive methodology in the collection of health service personnel census information. A decision in this regard is awaited from the Department of Finance and as deliberations are on-going it would not be appropriate to disclose specific information in regard to staff ceiling revisions identified.

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