Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 136: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the effect of the Health Service Executive recruitment embargo on the discharge of patients in hospitals where social workers who arrange the discharge have not been replaced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24008/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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. Notwithstanding this, it has been recognised that there are some critical or exceptional 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 and other Directorates and this group will meet weekly to consider such applications.