Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the moratorium on recruitment in the Health Service Executive and the effect this is having on dental services in Wicklow (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39269/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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The Government is committed to a reduction in public service numbers to 282,500 by 2015. This represents a reduction of 37,500, or 12% of staff, compared to 2008 levels. The health service must make an appropriate contribution to this reduction. In July of this year, the HSE introduced a pause on recruitment due to the serious budgetary situation being faced. The HSE has some flexibility in relation to the filling of exceptional posts. In addition, the Public Service Agreement allows the HSE to redeploy staff based on service need. Nevertheless, the overall target reduction in numbers must be met, which will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge.

With regard to dental services in Co Wicklow, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.