Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)
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Question 599: To ask the Minister for Health the amount the State has paid out in redundancy to the public sector under the Croke Park Agreement during its implementation; if he will clarify whether or not this period coincides with the recent announcement regarding savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31344/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In early November 2010 the then Government approved a voluntary early retirement (VER) scheme and a voluntary redundancy (VR) scheme for certain categories of staff in the HSE, as well as bodies funded by the HSE. The purpose of the schemes was to achieve a permanent reduction in the numbers employed in the public health sector from 2011 onwards and to facilitate public health sector reform. The schemes were open to both management and administrative grades, and general support staff. The cost of the schemes in 2010 was approximately €100.4m, of which about €58m was in respect of the VR scheme. Final uptake for the schemes was 2,025 individuals (1,626 WTE). Of the 2,025 individuals, 639 (32%) departed under the voluntary early retirement scheme and 1,386 (68%) availed of the voluntary redundancy scheme.

The first annual Health Sector report on progress and savings achieved under the Public Service Agreement (Croke Park) covered the period March 2010 to March 2011 and reported that under these schemes there was a gross saving of €60m in 2011.

The second annual Health Sector report on progress and savings achieved under the Agreement, covering the period 1st April 2011 to 31st March 2012, was submitted in May of this year. The savings reported were attributable to factors other than the VER and VR schemes. The completed savings template for the health sector, along with the other elements of the health sector's second annual progress and savings report can be found on both my Department's website (www.doh.ie) and that of the national level implementation body (www. implementationbody.gov.ie)