Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 246: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a report on the scope of the final framework agreement in respect of human resource issues; the intended use and application of this framework; if the use and application scope of the final framework agreement could be revised on the basis that the Health Service Executive appeared to be applying the agreement in a far wider set of circumstances than was designed or originally intended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12241/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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A draft employment control framework for 2010 for the health service is currently the subject of discussion with the Department of Finance.

Employment control frameworks have been used for a number of years in the health sector to give effect to Government policies on the number employed in the health sector. The 2009 framework gave effect to the Government decision on the moratorium on recruitment, promotion, or payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade. A HSE circular issued which gave effect to the Government decision in the public health services and other specific aspects of the employment control framework for the health services.

The Government decision was modulated to ensure that key services are maintained insofar as possible in the health services, particularly in respect of children at risk, older people and persons with a disability. The 2009 framework specifically exempted a number of front line grades in the health sector from the moratorium. The focus on these key grades was in line with existing Government policy on the prioritisation of certain development areas, for which significant funding was already provided. The overall result was to assist in the reorientation of health employment to services delivered in primary and community care. This would mean reorganising and restructuring work in order to minimise the impact on essential service delivery. The redeployment and reassignment of staff would be an essential part of this process. It is a matter of great concern that the level of flexibility from staff and unions required to achieve the changes needed, is not forthcoming at the moment, due to the ongoing industrial action across the public service.

Health employment levels are monitored by the Joint Employment Control Monitoring Committee, which comprises officials from my Department, the Department of Finance and the HSE. This committee also reviews the implementation of the moratorium and any issues arising.