Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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174. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the recent announcement by the HSE of a recruitment embargo in respect of candidates who had completed the recruitment process, had made life-changing decisions based on job offers by the HSE and now find themselves in some cases without a job; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21029/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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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 CHOs.

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.