John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

632. To ask the Minister for Health if he will confirm the official figure for spend on agency staff within Waterford University Hospital, formerly Waterford Regional Hospital, for the years 2013 and to date in 2014; if his Department has any plans to lift the moratorium on recruitment within the sector and to advertise full-time positions to ensure staffing within the hospital is at the correct level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27203/14]

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. 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 relation to specific queries regarding the Waterford University Hospital, I have arranged for the question to be forwarded to the HSE who will respond directly to the Deputy in this regard.