Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 138: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the terms of the redundancy package on offer to administration staff in the Health Service Executive, with particular reference to the exclusion of staff on career break who will only be considered after all other applications have been processed. [43229/10]

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.

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 must strike a balance between incentivising people to leave now and the cost of any package. The Government is capping the total amount that will be paid out under the schemes at €400m in 2010. The terms agreed by the Government are fair and reasonable and I have made it clear that it is not my intention to change the terms of the schemes.

The HSE has put in place a dedicated website which includes a comprehensive Questions and Answers section and a ready reckoner to assist potential applicants.

In relation to the matter raised by the Deputy those on career break can apply on a without prejudice basis, however, applications will be dealt with if there is still capacity within the €400m to pay for them.