Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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267. To ask the Minister for Health if 5,200 nursing posts, that is 13.5% of the total, have been cut from the health service since 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16401/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The HSE introduced an embargo on recruitment in 2007. This was followed by the public sector wide moratorium on recruitment in 2008 given the need to reduce public service numbers and maximise savings in the public service as a result of the downturn in the economy. Notwithstanding this the HSE has had the capacity to recruit where it is necessary to deliver front-line services. It is important to note that in fact nursing numbers have increased by over 850 in the past 15 months.

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform announced in budget 2015 that he intended to delegate greater autonomy to Departments and Agencies to manage their own staffing levels within allocated pay frameworks. This change allows for further recruitment flexibility, for example where it is determined that offering permanent contracts can achieve more economical service delivery than agency usage.

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has advised that the HSE and Department of Health are required to submit a 2015 Pay and Numbers Strategy to give effect to this decision. This Strategy is currently being finalised.

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on the specific numbers. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.