Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 572: To ask the Minister for Health the impact on health care services in County Louth of the likely exodus of health service staff in February to avail of pension entitlements; the number of consultants, nurses and other health staff who will leave at that time; the measures he is putting in place to deal with this issue; the number of new staff who will be recruited to replace those who leave the service; if he will provide a breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4853/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Government has determined that, in line with its commitment to reduce the size of the public service, health sector employment numbers must be reduced to approximately 102,000 in 2012.

The cumulative impact of staff reductions from this year and previous years represents a significant challenge for the health system in delivering services. The priority is to reform how health services are delivered in order to ensure a more productive and cost effective health system.

I have asked the HSE to submit, as a matter of urgency, its assessment of the likely impact of retirements to the end of February, to identify particular pressure points and to develop appropriate measures to deal with significant departures in a given service or area. I also intend to review the Service Plan once the full impact of the staff leaving at the end of the 29 February "grace period" is known.

The reduction in staffing increases the need for reform, including greater flexibilities in work practices and rosters, as well as redeployment. The HSE National Service Plan includes a commitment to addressing these issues within the context of the Public Service Agreement. It also commits the HSE to minimising the impact on services by fast-tracking new, innovative and more efficient ways of using reduced resources, including greater flexibilities in work practices and rosters (especially of nursing and medical staff).

While a significant number of doctors, nurses and other professional and support staff are due to retire by the end of February, there is no scope for widespread rehiring of staff.

With regard to the specific issues raised by the Deputy in relation to services in County Louth, I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy.