Sláintecare executive director vacancy
Deputy Kelly highlighted the healthcare crisis and asked why the Sláintecare executive director post had not been filled despite its importance. The Minister said he would revert with the recruitment schedule and reiterated support for Sláintecare and accountability.
There is an ongoing crisis in healthcare and failure by the Government to address many issues. We have seen record levels of overcrowding on trollies and wards. Today the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, INMO, has said there are 376 people on trollies across the country. I welcome that in the last week the Government took up my suggestion to advertise the post of chairperson of the HSE before advertising the post of chief executive. However, the Government, as part of this Dáil, is committed to Sláintecare. It is something I worked on for over a year as a member of the committee. Since January, it has been looking at recruiting for the role of executive director. There is an urgent need for reform of the health service. We have seen the position of chair of the HSE being advertised-----
Comment on this
Why has the position of the executive director of Sláintecare not been filled, given the length of time it has been advertised and how vital a role all Members of the Dáil believe it to be?
Comment on this
I will have to get back to the Deputy and get the Minister to explain the recruitment schedule for these posts. I know he has a very strong commitment to far greater accountability and transparency and to support Sláintecare and its principles.