Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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598. To ask the Minister for Health his progress in reducing the reliance on agency staff as pledged in the 2015 service plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6209/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The HSE 2015 Service Plan included a priority to reduce reliance on agency. Overall agency expenditure for 2015 reduced by approximately €8.2m or 2.4% on the 2014 figure. The Acute Sector has been the most prominent in seeing a reduction in agency with expenditure falling by €23.24m or 10% compared to 2014 figures.

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter. 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.