Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he is satisfied regarding the adequacy of staff numbers throughout the various health services with particular reference to accident and emergency or other emergency services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41171/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The cumulative impact of staff reductions from this year and previous years presents 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.

The health service faces challenges this year, both in terms of reduced staffing levels and a reduced budget. The 2012 National Service Plan sets out what actions will be taken to address these challenges.

The HSE is seeking to mitigate the impact of the reductions in overall staffing numbers on front-line services, including accident and emergency and other emergency services, by —

- using the provisions of the Public Service Agreement to bring about greater flexibilities in work practices and rosters, redeployment and other changes to achieve more efficient delivery of services;

- delivering greater productivity through the National Clinical Programmes to reduce the average length of stay, improve day of admission surgery rates, increase the number of patients treated as day cases, etc.; and

- some limited and targeted recruitment in priority areas to help limit the impact of retirements on front-line services.