Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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649. To ask the Minister for Health if he will report on the implementation of the recommendations of the Expert Review Body on Nursing and Midwifery, and on implementation of the recommendation of the extension of the qualification allowance CNM3 grade, in particular. [25597/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, I published the Report on the Expert Review Body on Nursing and Midwifery in March, 2022. I have accepted all 47 recommendations. Their implementation will address identified pay anomalies, support nurses and midwives to continue to learn and develop in professional roles and enable delivery of Sláintecare priorities.

I have committed to establishing a process to oversee the implementation of the 47 recommendations which is being led by the Chief Nursing Officer in my Department. The Expert Review Body Implementation Oversight Team, with key stakeholder representation, was established in Q4 2022. Work is progressing, through Implementation Action Groups, on the many priority recommendations identified. These priorities relate to nursing and midwifery education, workforce, digital health capacity and capability and also leadership and governance. This work will encompass a review and reform of nursing and midwifery undergraduate training programmes. As well as delivering on workforce capacity, the work will align training needs with the healthcare reform agenda and increasing postgraduate training in community care. The recommendations, when implemented, will enhance care through digital solutions as well as addressing the challenges with recruitment and retention of senior nursing and midwifery leaders.

Currently, a process considering implementation of the Expert Review Body's recommendations related to three of the pay recommendations, including recommendation 46 regarding CNM grades, is underway.

Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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650. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the shortage of medical scientists working in acute hospitals; his plans to rectify the shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25599/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.