Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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263. To ask the Minister for Health the number of fully qualified nurses currently employed on a permanent part-time or full-time basis throughout the health service; the number of assistants similarly employed at present; the extent to which this remains sufficient to meet requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7375/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I have asked the HSE to provide the Deputy with the data sought in relation to nurses and assistants. The HSE has the capacity to recruit where it is necessary to do so, notwithstanding the need to reduce the numbers employed across the public service. Arrangements are in place to allow the recruitment of front-line staff, including nurses and assistants, where there is an established service need. More generally, in order to mitigate the impact on front-line 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.