Written answers

Wednesday, 15 May 2019

Department of Health

HSE Staff Recruitment

Photo of Eugene MurphyEugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

80. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, further to the announcement of the HSE recruitment embargo, persons who were in the recruitment process and had consequently officially notified their employers are now unemployed as a result and will have to rely on payments from the Department of Employment and Social Protection. [20658/19]

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

There is no recruitment embargo in place in the HSE. However, in recent months, 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 and that they need to operate within its pay allocations.

By the end of 2018, the levels of agency, overtime and pay costs had reached unaffordable levels. In light of this, the HSE decided to introduce interim control measures for a consolidation period of three months to the end of June, until they received clarity on plans and financial performance for Q1 2019 from Hospital Groups and CHO’s.

I have been very clear that those locations which provide credible, balanced plans will be supported. Similarly, locations which do not submit such plans need to be scrutinised. It should also be noted that the HSE is continuing to recruit all funded development posts.

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on the remaining elements of the question.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.