Written answer
Health Services Staff
The HSE says graduate recruitment continues according to service needs, approved plans and funding, prioritising frontline roles, though jobs may not be available in graduates’ preferred locations.
455. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to address the withdrawal of employment offers made to approximately 20 newly qualified nurses who studied nursing in Castlebar and were highly placed on recruitment panels; the reason these positions in Mayo University Hospital have now been withdrawn due to funding constraints; whether additional Department of Health approval is required before the posts can be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75114/26]
Comment on this
The Government and the HSE recognise the vital contribution that newly qualified nurses and midwives make to the delivery of safe, high-quality care and remain committed to supporting graduates to take up employment within the public health service.
The HSE continues to recruit newly qualified nurses and midwives in line with identified service needs, approved workforce plans and available funding. While enhanced recruitment controls are currently in place across some areas of the health service, these arrangements do not constitute a blanket pause on recruitment. Frontline and patient-facing posts continue to be prioritised, with patient safety remaining the overriding consideration.
The HSE has advised that employment opportunities continue to be offered to graduates across the country, including within the West and North West Region. As with any large employer, opportunities may not always arise immediately in a graduate's preferred location, specialty or service area. The HSE continues to work to match graduates with available vacancies as they arise.
The Government remains committed to retaining Irish-trained nurses and midwives within the public health service. Significant growth in the nursing and midwifery workforce has taken place in recent years, and the HSE continues to engage with graduates regarding employment opportunities and workforce requirements.
The Department of Health will continue to engage with the HSE on workforce planning and graduate recruitment to support the delivery of safe and sustainable health services.