Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

201. To ask the Minister for Health if the embargo on dental nurses will be lifted; if so, when; the number of positions that will be filled in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28040/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform announced in the latest budget, that he intends to delegate greater autonomy to Departments and Agencies to manage their own staffing levels. The change from the application of a rigid employment control framework, with its particular focus on a moratorium on recruitment and compliance with employment ceilings and targets, to one operating strictly within allocated pay frameworks will allow for recruitment where it is determined that this can achieve more economical service delivery.

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on the other aspects of his question. 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.