Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

917. To ask the Minister for Health the status of persons who are offered positions in the HSE but are affected by the recruitment ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19535/19]

Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

918. To ask the Minister for Health when the HSE recruitment ban will be lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19536/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 917 and 918 together.

Officials from my Department have been engaging intensively with the HSE in reaching agreement on a Pay and Numbers Strategy for 2019.

The key focus in developing the strategy is to ensure that affordable and appropriate recruitment decisions are made by the HSE as they need to operate within their allocated budget considering the National Service Plan approved for 2019. Where individual Hospital Groups or CHOs have not demonstrated their ability to do this, the HSE has decided to introduce interim control measures in these locations, for a consolidation period of three months to the end of June, until it receives clarity on their plans and financial performance for Quarter 1 of 2019. On receipt and acceptance of balanced plans, these additional controls can be reviewed and removed where appropriate.

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on these matters.