Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that adequate numbers of front line staff are available throughout the health service; the extent to which she has identified deficiencies including areas expected to be affected by recently announced cutbacks; her plans to address these issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24038/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Service employs almost 130,000 personnel and this equates to 111,570 wholetime equivalents at end June 2007. Since the establishment of the HSE, the number of Medical and Dental personnel has increased by 13.02% (913). This includes an increase of 306 (+16.34%) in the number of Hospital Consultants. The number of nursing personnel has increased by 4,296 (+12.52%) to 38,609 (or by 2,848 and 8.3% when student nurses are factored out). The number of Health and Social Care Professionals has increased by 2,611 (+20.35%) to 15,441. I would draw the Deputy's attention in particular to increases of 32% (Dieticians), 35% (Occupational Therapists), 24% (Physiotherapists) and 30% (Speech and Language Therapists). These changes clearly demonstrate the commitment of the Health Service Executive to ensuring focus on patient care and the recruitment of frontline personnel.

The current recruitment pause is a temporary measure initiated as part of the HSE financial break-even plan. It will be reviewed at the end of October 2007. Of course, in any instance where a critical or essential vacancy arises it may be filled through redeployment of existing staff by the Line Manager or re-assignment of responsibilities based on assessment of priority need.

Notwithstanding this, it has been recognised that there are some circumstances where appointment of staff may be necessary in frontline services. Accordingly, a process has been put in place to evaluate, monitor and approve requests for derogation from the general recruitment pause. A small group has been established including a representative of the National Hospitals Office, PCCC and other Directorates and this group will meet weekly to consider such applications.

Additionally, as an interim measure, a derogation of the suspension in appointments has been made to facilitate service enhancements in a number of areas including Cherry Orchard Community Nursing Units and the Central Mental Hospital.