Health-service staffing reductions
Spring and Desmond question the scale of health-service job losses, citing unfilled vacancies and staff layoffs. O’Hanlon confirms 2,000 vacancies will remain unfilled but cannot yet quantify further job losses, and says treatment levels should not be seriously affected.
The Minister says he is happy with the arrangements in the health services but he must be totally alone in being so satisfied. Will the Minister now confirm that the total number of reductions to be implemented in the health services area in 1987 is now in the region of 3,750 persons and is he yet in a position to tell the House the actual reductions in the numbers of staff?
Comment on this
As regards my being happy with the health services, I am satisfied that an expenditure of over £1,300 million and 60,000 persons working in the health services are sufficient to ensure an adequate and comprehensive health service for the people of this country. With regard to the reduction in the number of people working in the health service I accept that 2,000 vacancies will not be filled and that other jobs may be lost as a result of the inability of the health agencies to fund these jobs. I am not in a position at this stage to say what that number of jobs will be.
Comment on this
Because 2,000 vacancies will not be filled this year and because a minimum of 2,000 non-permanent staff will be laid off, would the Minister not agree that the figure to date of 3,750, as given by Deputy Spring, is a reasonable figure in terms of calculating losses? It is twice the number projected in the budget. Would the Minister not agree that hospitals, for example, Temple Street where 90 staff have been laid off this week, St. Vincent's where 70 staff have been laid off this week——
Comment on this
I am seeking to convey to Deputy Desmond that I want to assist two other Deputies in putting supplementaries before we proceed to questions nominated for priority. I intend to call Deputy Mary Flaherty and Deputy Proinsias De Rossa.
Comment on this
I am satisfied the numbers of people working in the health service are sufficient to ensure an adequate and comprehensive health service. The number of people working in the health service increased by 16,000, from 47,000 15 years ago to 63,000 last year. In accordance with the public service embargo I am satisfied the vacancies that will be left unfilled will not impinge seriously on the level of treatment available.
