Written answers

Thursday, 31 January 2008

Department of Health and Children

Health Service Staff

5:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of agency nurses currently employed here; the requirement in nursing posts to be filled; when these posts are expected to be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2974/08]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The numbers of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health system have increased significantly in recent years, in tandem with the high level of investment in the development in new services. In December 2007, a revised employment ceiling for the health service of 108,291 expressed in whole time equivalents was sanctioned, representing an increase of 291 over the December 2006 approved ceiling and 10,741 over that approved at the end of 2005.

There has also been a substantial expansion of training places available at undergraduate level across a range of healthcare professions in order to ensure an ongoing supply of personnel in sufficient numbers for our health services into the future.

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

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