329. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address the shortage of public health nurses and community registered general nurses across the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42305/24]

I wish to thank the Deputy for her question. I want to emphasise that ensuring the delivery of the full range of services provided by Public Health Nurses, is a priority for me.

We are progressing several initiatives at a national level both within my Department and in the HSE to address challenges to the recruitment of healthcare professionals in general, and nurses, specifically.

In relation to Public Health Nurses and Community Registered General Nurses, the HSE established a National Oversight Group for Community Nursing Services, under the governance of the National Director of Community Operations, to develop proposals to improve recruitment and retention of Public Health Nurses and Community Registered General Nurses.

This group set out their recommendations in the 'Report on Recommendations to Improve Recruitment and Retention of Public Health Nurses and Community Registered General Nurses in Community Nursing Services'.

The HSE subsequently set up a National Implementation Group in 2024 to progress the implementation of these recommendations. My Department is committed to supporting the recruitment and retention of Public Health Nurses and Community Registered General Nurses and continues to engage with the HSE on these matters.