Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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185. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the embargo on the recruitment of psychiatric nurses and ongoing staffing shortages within the mental health services in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27543/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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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. It is in this context that the Government, and I as Minister, are continuing to progress as a priority the development of our mental health services, in line with implementing A Vision for Change.As part of this question relates to a specific service issue this matter has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.