Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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426. To ask the Minister for Health if the embargo on the recruitment of healthcare assistants at a community hospital (details supplied) in County Kerry will be lifted to fill vacant posts and allow the return of staff on career breaks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44216/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the HSE that while there is no national recruitment embargo or moratorium, there is a priority requirement for all HSE services to maintain, or get to, an affordable staffing level that is sustainable in 2019 and 2020, while also prioritising the delivery of safe services.

In light of this, the HSE have introduced control measures relating to staffing and recruitment (including the return of employees on career breaks) to ensure that they live within the available resources provided to them.

In relation to the specific location of West Kerry Community Hospital, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.