Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
666. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 458 of 6 November 2025, the status of the estimated 390 posts required to achieve baseline implementation of Phases 1 and 2 of the Framework for Safe Nurse Staffing and Skill Mix; the number still outstanding; the timeline for completion of recruitment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73488/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Framework for Safe Nurse Staffing and Skill Mix is a systematic, evidence-based approach to determine safe staffing levels and skill mix for nursing and healthcare assistant roles. It is determined by patient need and demonstrates impact through the measurement of a range of outcomes. Phase 1 focused on Adult General and Specialist Medical and Surgical Care Settings and Phase 2 focused on Adult Emergency Care Settings. National implementation of these policies is a priority and has received significant Government investment since 2020.
The HSE CEO mandated that baseline implementation of both phases of the Framework be achieved by 31 December 2025 and this is on target to be achieved.
Prior to this, progress had been made with over 1,700 additional Registered Nurses (RNs) and Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) successfully recruited to deliver baseline implementation of the Framework across all in-patient wards and Emergency Departments nationally.
Since September 2025, further progress has been made with the recruitment of the additional 390 RNs and HCAs required to achieve baseline implementation. The HSE has advised that these remaining additional posts are progressing in line with the direction from the CEO, with recruitment at various stages of the process.
