Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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262. To ask the Minister for Health if under the public service embargo the Health Service Executive have been given leeway to hire non medical staff in hospitals to alleviate the pressure of staffing shortages due to sick leave numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10189/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Government has decided that the numbers employed across the public service must be reduced in order to meet fiscal and budgetary targets. 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. The revised working arrangements provided for in the Haddington Road Agreement are a pivotal element in this regard.

Subject to approval by senior managers, arrangements are in place in the HSE to allow the recruitment of staff where it has been established that there is an urgent service requirement. In addition, the HSE continues to fill a significant number of development posts in line with service priorities identified by Government. The Support Staff Intern Scheme also allows for the recruitment of 1000 staff in roles such as Health Care Assistants, Multi-Task Attendants and Support Grades. The scheme facilitates the intern achieving the appropriate FETAC level 5 qualification, which will be an invaluable asset in their professional development.