Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health the extent to which he expects to be in a position to encourage the replacement of agency nursing staff throughout the public system with permanent or part time staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14006/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Given the requirement on the HSE to reduce numbers employed and to maximise savings, there is only very limited scope to offer permanent nursing posts at present. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has approved the Graduate Nurse Placement Initiative on the basis that participants will not be counted in health service staff numbers and that it will contribute to reducing unsustainable levels of agency and overtime expenditure. The HSE is currently accepting applications from graduates who wish to participate in the Initiative. The HSE's National Service Plan for 2013 provides for a saving of €10m in the current year, arising from the introduction of this scheme.