Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To be clear, the temporary blanket waiver of pension abatement continued up until 31 March 2021. This was when the abatement policy for the healthcare sector returned to normal in line with other sectors. This was, as I understand it, communicated to the HSE on 15 January 2021. On 22 January 2021, only a few days later, I am informed that the HSE informed all relevant staff, including, but not limited to, all heads of HR in CHOs, all HR managers in section 38 agencies, all group directors of nursing and midwifery and the director of the National Ambulance Service.

I am informed that happened. The Deputy, though, has told me that the people he is dealing with are saying otherwise. On behalf of the Government, I take this opportunity to express our appreciation for the work carried out by our public health workers during the pandemic, including those individuals who returned from retirement to help their colleagues and the public when they most needed it. This cannot be overstated. We are absolutely so grateful for it. The temporary blanket waiver of pension abatement was introduced to recognise that at a time of great need. It was based on necessity. With the end of the emergency situation created by Covid-19, the waiver was ended.

I appreciate what the Deputy is saying about the need for us to grow our workforce year on year. He is right. As of the end of May 2024, there were 28,346 more staff working in our health service than there were at the beginning of this decade. The Minister for Health has approved the allocation of 2,268 new development posts for this year, which is outlined in the HSE pay and numbers strategy. Approval has also been given for the immediate recruitment of these posts. Recruitment, therefore, is happening. The Deputy raised this aspect as a secondary issue here. It is happening and we are continuing to invest in and grow our workforce in the health service.

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