Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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23. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the recruitment of public health nurses in the south Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60614/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Public Health Nurses play an extremely valuable role within the community healthcare system and provide an extensive range of services. This valuable role was highlighted as many Public Health Nurses, along with other front-line staff, were redeployed to assist and lead the Covid-19 response, in turn having an impact on the capacity of the delivery of day-to-day services.

Since earlier this year, HSE Public Health Nursing staff have been able to return to core duties. This has seen the resumption of services, including child development checks nationwide.

However, in some parts of the country, including South Dublin, this post-pandemic resumption is challenged by acute and local shortages in the Public Health Nursing Service. These shortages are mainly due to reductions in the availability of staff due to retirement, internal movement and challenges in recruiting staff.  

Where these recruitment challenges persist, the Public Health Nursing service is operating a prioritisation system for child development checks. The utilisation of prioritisation systems is temporary and localised. 

I have been assured by the HSE that where shortfalls are arising, patients who have the greatest need in the community continue to be prioritised and supported.

Nationally, the HSE has established a Community Nursing Oversight Group to address Recruitment and Retention of Public Health Nurses and Community Registered General Nurses in Community Nursing Services. This group comprises stakeholders from across the community and nursing services of the HSE, and the Department of Health from a policy perspective.

Both I and my Department recognise the need to improve access to the wide range of services provided by public health nurses and will continue to proactively engage with, and support, the HSE to address these existing challenges in both the short-term and long-term.