Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 506: To ask the Minister for Health the increments made payable to Health Service Executive staff in the years 2010 and 2011; the estimated number of increments due in 2012; the cost of increments for each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39989/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Question 507: To ask the Minister for Health the number of agency staff, split between nurses and other agency staff currently employed by the Health Service Executive; the total amount used in 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40005/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Question 508: To ask the Minister for Health the total spend on agency staff by the Health Service Executive in 2009 and 2010; the estimated total spend for 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40006/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Question 509: To ask the Minister for Health the difference in cost for the Health Service Executive between using an agency nurse or hiring a full time equivalent to carry out the same role; the extra costs that will be incurred on using the agency nurse as a result of the implementation of the agency workers directive; the estimated overall cost increases that will be incurred in 2012 on the use of agency staff as a result of the implementation of the agency workers directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40007/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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It is not possible to provide a direct cost comparison between directly-employed nursing staff and agency staff, since the rate of pay varies as between individuals. Directly-employed staff may be in receipt of additional remuneration in respect of working unsocial hours, as well as allowances in respect of particular types of work or qualifications held. On average, such additional payments add approximately 20% to a nurse's basic pay. Agency nurses are currently paid, depending on experience, at either the first or fifth point of the 2010 consolidated salary scales and receive the statutory minimum annual leave. Additional costs arise in respect of commission payable to the employing agency, on which VAT is levied.

In the context of the expenditure allocation for the health service in 2012, the HSE will be focusing on a range of measures to contain the costs of service provision, including a reduced reliance on the use of agency staffing. The cost implications for the health service arising from the implementation in Ireland of the EU Temporary Agency Work Directive will therefore be dependent on both the extent of ongoing usage of agency staffing and the precise terms of the legislation when enacted by the Oireachtas.