Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 December 2025
663. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health to publish her Department's methodology for calculating the financial impact of long-term vacancies on agency spend, overtime costs and service capacity; and to confirm whether a standardised template will be introduced for HSE regions. [68058/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the annual budgetary process, the Department of Health include an estimated cost for on-boarding staff as part of their budgetary calculations.
The Department of Health do not employ a methodology for calculating the financial impact of long-term vacancies on agency spend, overtime costs and service capacity given the large number of variables involved - several thousand pay grades and pay scales, the duration of vacancy, different overtime and agency rates.
The Department's focus is on costs actually incurred and the measures necessary to ensure this spend remains within budgetary targets.
