Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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574. To ask the Minister for Health if he intends to allow dental health nurses in the Dublin area apply for the planned new targeted voluntary redundancy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22411/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The health service is required to achieve a workforce of 98,955 whole time equivalents (WTEs) by the end of 2013. It is therefore necessary to pursue staff reductions throughout 2013 through natural turnover (retirements and resignations) and targeted measures.

On 1st May 2013 my Department issued a circular to the HSE, authorising the introduction of a Targeted Voluntary Redundancy (VR) Scheme in the HSE and in organisations funded by the HSE under Section 38 of the Health Act 2004. The purpose of this scheme is to facilitate the HSE and such organisations to achieve a permanent reduction of up 1,500 WTE, in the numbers employed in the public health sector from 2013 onwards and to facilitate ongoing health sector reform.

The scheme will give managers greater flexibility in implementing the measures needed to remain within reduced budgets and staffing ceilings. It will be implemented by the HSE on a rolling basis as appropriate areas and functions are identified. Employees in the areas targeted will be given an opportunity to avail of the scheme. There will be no automatic right to redundancy.

The Deputy's question, insofar as it relates to dental health nurses in the Dublin area, is a matter for the HSE, and accordingly, I have referred it to the Executive for direct reply.