Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
99. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the barriers identified by her Department in recruiting RGNs in community settings; the steps being taken to address these; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4978/26]
View answerRecruitment of nurses and midwives continues in line with the Government’s commitment to increase the nursing and midwifery workforce. Community Registered General Nurses (CRGN) are qualified general nurses who are employed by the HSE within Public Health Nursing Service to deliver safe, quality and person-centred community nursing care in various settings including homes and primary care facilities.
The HSE established The National Oversight Group Community Nursing Service and published a Report on recommendations to improve recruitment and retention of Public Health Nurses and Community Registered General Nurses in Community Nursing Services in 2023 which includes 39 recommendations. The HSE has reported that 16 recommendations are complete including the development of clear career and educational pathways for CRGNs, continuous promotion and marketing campaigns to attract RGNs to work in community, and the creation of a specific pathway for CRGN to apply for the PHN Sponsorship Programme. Work is ongoing to implement the remaining recommendations.
Research to inform the Framework for Safe Nurse Staffing and Skill Mix in the Community Care Settings (Phase 3ii) (which includes the Public Health Nursing service) is underway which will support future work force planning in community settings.
