Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

637. To ask the Minister for Health the total number of consultant, non-consultant doctor and nursing posts currently vacant; those likely to be filled in the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30831/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government has decided that the numbers employed across the public service must be reduced, in order to meet fiscal and budgetary targets. As a major employer, the health sector must make a significant contribution to this reduction. This policy requires that, by the end of 2013, the health service achieves a workforce of 98,955 wholetime equivalents (WTEs).

The HSE may continue to recruit staff in exceptional circumstances, where it has been established that there is an urgent service requirement and that this can be accommodated within the budgetary constraints and overall employment ceiling. In addition development posts in a range of disciplines are being filled in accordance with priorities determined by Government. The number of consultant posts has increased significantly in recent years and NCHD numbers, for the most part, have been maintained.

I have asked the Executive to compile the information in relation the number of Consultant, NCHD and Nursing posts that are currently deemed vacant and reply directly to the Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

639. To ask the Minister for Health the extent to which nursing assistant posts have been filled in line with requirements in each of the past four years to date; the likely development in this regard in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30833/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government has decided that the numbers employed across the public service must be reduced, in order to meet fiscal and budgetary targets. As a major employer, the health sector must make a significant contribution to this reduction. This policy requires that by the end of 2013, the health service achieves a workforce of 98,955 wholetime equivalents (WTEs).

The HSE may continue to recruit staff in exceptional circumstances, where it has been established that there is an urgent service requirement and that this can be accommodated within the budgetary constraints and its overall employment ceiling.

I have asked the Executive to compile the information in relation the number of Nursing Assistant posts that have been filled in each of the past four years and reply directly to the Deputy.