Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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203. To ask the Minister for Health why the Health Service Executive is implementing a nursing embargo against the backdrop of a critical shortage of nurses; his actions to ensure this embargo is lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12411/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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There is no recruitment embargo in place in the HSE. Arising from Budget 2015, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform announced an easing of restrictions on the employment of additional staff. Submission of a Pay and Numbers Strategy, outlining planned staffing levels and pay/pensions expenditure was required to obtain sanction for the lifting of the moratorium and Employment Control Framework arrangements.

The HSE are currently working with my Department on the preparation of their 2016 Pay and Numbers Strategy. This has involved the development of ‘bottom up’ workforce plans at hospital and community service level. While these plans are being developed, interim recruitment measures have been put in place by the HSE, which require that pay budgets are complied with.

These measures do not impact on a hospital’s ability to recruit where funding exists to facilitate that recruitment; for example in the case of replacement posts or where funding has been allocated for particular roles under the HSE service plan. Recruitment can also take place in areas of critical care and emergency services.

There is a real focus by the HSE on recruitment and retention of nurses and midwives. It is recognised that recruitment and retention of both must be prioritised to support service delivery.

The HSE has continuously increased staffing levels since the beginning of 2015. During the 15 month period from January 2015 to March 2016, nursing figures rose by over 1700 WTEs or 5%.

The government's intention is to grow the health budget as the economy improves, to improve working conditions for front line staff and deliver the level of service that we all want to see provided to patients.