Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On October 13th, the HSE CEO announced a recruitment pause on all Grades that have grown beyond their recruitment targets for 2023. This is an extension of the pause on the recruitment of new and replacement staff in all grades in the Management and Administration category, announced a number of weeks ago.

The recruitment pause is part of a suite of control measures, including an instruction to reduce expenditure on agency staff and management consultants across the HSE and Section 38 organisations.

Many areas of the HSE have been recruiting more staff than they are funded for. If this level of growth, in excess of budgeted targets, was allowed to continue uncontrolled, it would have significant financial implications for 2023 and following years, and adversely impact on the HSE’s ability to recruit essential patient facing staff next year.

In September the total workforce stands at 122,274 WTE. This is an increase of 592 WTE from August’s figures. The workforce has grown by 4,905 WTE year-to-date or 4% over end 2022.

There has been significant and ongoing growth in NCHD numbers . As of September 2023, the total NCHDs workforce stands at 8,579 WTE. This is an increase of 583 WTE year-to-date. Since 2019, NCHDs have grown by 1,803 WTE or 27%.

The Government recognises NCHDs' grievances and accepts that they need to be addressed. The Government is committed to reviewing and changing the working conditions for NCHDs and is actively working towards reform as well as making posts in Ireland more attractive for them. NCHDs are a critical part of the health service. We must recognise their importance and work to ensure that they achieve a better work/life balance.

Following engagement with the Department, HSE and the IMO an agreement was agreed pertaining to grievances and issues raised by NCHDs following a vote in favour of industrial action. This agreement came into effect from 1st January 2023. The HSE is prioritising the full implementation of the Agreement.

All NCHDs are entitled to reasonable working conditions, to their annual leave and to be allowed take it. In response to this the Minister established The National Taskforce on the Non-Consultant Hospital Doctor (NCHD) Workforce was established by the Minister for Health in September 2022.It’s primary goal is enhancing working conditions for NCHDs in Ireland.