Written answers

Tuesday, 30 November 2021

Photo of David CullinaneDavid Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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692. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to address the severe overtime culture in the HSE; the average number of overtime hours worked on a weekly basis by grade within the medical, dental, nursing and midwifery and healthcare assistant professions in acute hospitals; his plans to ensure that promise overtime rates are applied in every hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58978/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is committed to funding the provision of healthcare in order to deliver services in line with Sláintecare objectives. This is underpinned by the provision of funding in Budget 2021 and Budget 2022 which have allowed for the continued growth of the health sector workforce.

To date this year the workforce has grown by 4,952 WTE which is the second largest annual growth since the formation of the HSE, second only to growth achieved in 2020. This level of growth should assist health service managers in reducing the levels of reliance on overtime.

My Department issued DoH Circular 12/2021 on the 2nd July in respect of adjustments to overtime rates. I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy in respect of the application of this circular to employees throughout the health service as appropriate, as well as in respect of hours worked.

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