Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

530. To ask the Minister for Health when he expects the Cross Departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group in respect of home support and nursing homes will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61119/21]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I continue to engage with key stakeholders in home support and nursing homes on issues of recruitment and retention, with multiple meetings held with such groups since I came into office. Work is ongoing within the Department to progress the establishment of a Cross Departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group.

The role of this group will be to facilitate the views of stakeholders and examine workforce challenges in home support and nursing homes. Potential areas to be considered include recruitment, retention, training, and the career development of home support and nursing home workers into the future.

Prior to establishing the Group, Department officials are undertaking a short-life scoping exercise which is currently underway. There is a project team in place in the Department to advance this work.

A ‘call for submissions’ issued to relevant national stakeholders on 3rd December 2021, with a closing date for receipt of submissions of 22nd December 2021. The Department's project team will analyse submissions received to inform the setting up of the Group in early 2022 and will engage further with relevant national stakeholder on next steps including timescales, membership of the Group, and terms of reference.