merrion street

Health Minister Simon Harris today welcomed the publication of the HSE National Service Plan plan 2017.

Commenting on the plan the Minister said:

“Today’s Service Plan is based on an increased budget of almost €1 billion since last year bringing the total health budget to over €14 billion. This provides us with an opportunity to improve services for our patients and for the Irish public who have made it clear they want to see investment in public services.

I have provided €20 million to the NTPF to work with the HSE to drive down waiting lists and this will increase to €55 million in 2018. The focus of this will be on reducing the length of time people are waiting for treatment. The €40 million provided for the Winter Initiative in 2016 will continue in 2017 to implement measures to address overcrowding in our emergency departments. I am very conscious of the people who are on trolleys in our hospitals today, especially older people, and of the pressures and stress on staff working in this environment."

The Minister added:

“I welcome the announcement today by the HSE of an open recruitment event on the 28th, 29th and 30th of this month for nurses and midwives from all disciplines who are interested in working in the Irish health service. This will target nurses coming home for Christmas and allow walk-in interviews on the day. This will be the first in a series of career day events for nurses throughout 2017."

Disabilities Minister Finian McGrath said:

"I am very pleased that in 2017 the HSE will provide services in line with or in some cases, in excess of the target for services set out for 2016. In addition, I welcome that extra funding secured for disability services will be put to good use in important areas. Additional funding of €10m is being allocated to meet the cost of providing day supports and services for approximately 1,500 young adults with disabilities who will complete their education or life-skills training in 2017. I am also particularly pleased with the specific provision for 185 new emergency residential placements and new home support and in-home respite for 210 additional people who require emergency supports."