Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff in St. Luke's Hospital, Rathgar, Dublin 6, who have been offered and or accepted a voluntary redundancy package; if she will provide a breakdown by grade or category; the deadline for acceptance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42122/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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On 1 November 2010 I announced that the Government has decided to approve a voluntary early retirement scheme and a voluntary redundancy scheme for certain categories of staff in the public health service. Eligible staff in St. Luke's Hospital are included in these schemes.

The purpose of the schemes is to achieve a permanent reduction in the numbers employed in the public health sector from 2011 onwards and to facilitate health service reform. The Government has decided that funding of up to €400 million will be made available in 2010 to fund the up-front costs of both schemes.

The VER and VR schemes are open to management and administrative staff and general support staff but priority will be given to management and administrative grades. The exact grades covered by the two schemes are set out in detail in the relevant Circular (Circular 7/2010).

Employees in the eligible groups have up to 19 November 2010 to submit completed application forms under the relevant scheme. All applicants whose application is approved must confirm their acceptance of the offer by the 30 November 2010 and their decision is irrevocable from that date. The absolute deadline for departure from the health service under either scheme is 30 December 2010.