Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health the current number of assistant national directors employed within the Health Service Executive [58111/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The employment of Assistant National Directors is a matter for the Health Service Executive, and as such, the Deputy's enquiry has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health in consideration of his proposal to reduce the Health Service Executive staff by 3,000, the way he proposes to ensure that the present level of front line staff within the HSE across the range of services are kept at their present numbers [58112/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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This is a very challenging target given the level of staff reductions that have been achieved in recent years.

In order to mitigate the impact on frontline services of the reduction in employment numbers, the priority is to reform how health services are delivered in order to ensure a more productive and cost effective health system. Therefore, the HSE is 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.

Staff reductions will be pursued throughout 2013 through natural turnover (retirements and resignations) and such other targeted measures or initiatives as may be determined by Government in relation to the health sector or the wider public service.

The HSE National Service Plan provides for investment of an additional 1,025 WTEs in a number of key prioritised areas, as well as the completion of the 2012 mental health investment programme (400+) posts. Also, a graduate nurse employment programme will be implemented, involving the recruitment of up to 1,000 nurses on two-year contracts. This will provide additional nursing capacity at service level.

Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health the current number of what is often referred to as back office staff, staff other than front line staff employed within the Health Service Executive within the various grades across the service nationally [58113/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As of November 2012, there were 15,721 management and administrative staff, equating to 15.5% of staff, employed in the HSE and bodies funded to provide services on its behalf.

The HSE has previously estimated that approximately two-thirds of staff classified as Management /Administration directly support service provision. This includes Medical and Consultant's Secretaries, Out-Patient Department Personnel, Ward Clerks, Medical Records Personnel and Telephonists.

The detailed information sought by the Deputy is a matter for the HSE and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.