The recruitment freeze, which affected most HSE grades except for consultants, doctors in training, and 2023 graduate nurses and midwives, was implemented to manage the HSE’s significant budgetary pressures. The freeze was extended to include agency staff and junior doctors, further complicating the staffing situation.

With the lifting of the freeze, the HSE plans to advertise 2,350 new jobs this year. However, the new control mechanism means that only ten managers will have the authority to approve the addition of new staff to the payroll system. This measure aims to ensure tighter control over recruitment and prevent budget overruns.

Health unions have expressed concerns about the impact of the recruitment freeze and the new control measures on patient safety. They warn that the freeze has led to increased workloads for existing staff, potentially compromising patient care. Unions have also criticized the lack of consultation and the perceived targeting of management and administrative grades.

The HSE’s Chief Executive, Bernard Gloster, acknowledged the challenges posed by the rapid increase in staff numbers since December 2019, which saw a net growth of over 31% in managerial posts. This growth contributed to the HSE’s estimated budget overrun of €1.5 billion this year.

In response to these financial challenges, the government has allocated an additional €1.5 billion to the HSE for this year, with a further €1.2 billion planned for 2025. This funding is intended to secure the 4,000 posts that were previously unfunded and support the overall stability of the health service.

The decision to lift the recruitment freeze and implement new control mechanisms is expected to alleviate some of the pressures on the health service and improve patient care. However, the HSE will need to navigate the challenges of managing its budget while meeting the growing demand for healthcare services.

The recruitment freeze was introduced by the HSE in October last year. It was extended in November to include all categories of staff, with the exception of consultants, doctors in training and 2023 graduate nurses and midwives.

Bernard Gloster, the former Chief Executive of Tusla, has been appointed as the new CEO of the Health Service Executive (HSE). His appointment follows an open selection process and he is expected to bring his extensive experience in health services to the role. Gloster has over 30 years of experience in the health sector, having held several senior management positions, including Chief Officer of HSE Mid West Community Healthcare.

Gloster’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the HSE, which has been navigating significant challenges and changes. The HSE Board Chairperson, Ciarán Devane, expressed confidence in Gloster’s ability to lead the organization through this period of transformation. Devane highlighted Gloster’s track record and commitment to public service as invaluable assets for the HSE.

In his new role, Gloster will be responsible for overseeing the HSE’s operations and implementing health reforms aimed at improving service delivery and patient care. He has expressed his commitment to working with the HSE Board, colleagues, and partners across the health system to drive continuous improvement in how people access and experience health services.

One of the immediate challenges Gloster faces is addressing the HSE’s recruitment issues. The HSE had implemented a recruitment freeze in October last year, which was later extended to include all categories of staff except consultants, doctors in training, and 2023 graduate nurses and midwives. This freeze was introduced due to budget constraints and the need to manage the health service’s finances more effectively.

However, Gloster recently announced that the recruitment freeze will end tomorrow. This decision follows the government’s allocation of an additional €1.5 billion to the HSE to address its financial shortfall for this year. An extra €1.2 billion will also be provided next year to support existing service levels.

Gloster explained that the additional funding will help secure 4,000 previously unfunded posts, ensuring that the HSE can maintain and expand its workforce. Despite the recruitment freeze, the HSE managed to recruit more staff than those who left the service, demonstrating the organization’s resilience and commitment to meeting healthcare demands.

The end of the recruitment freeze is expected to have a positive impact on the HSE’s ability to deliver quality healthcare services. Gloster emphasized the importance of establishing a control environment to manage the additional funding effectively and ensure that the HSE operates within its budget. He also highlighted the need to reduce the dependency on agency staff, which has been a significant cost for the HSE in recent years.

As Gloster takes on his new role, the focus will be on driving health reforms, improving service delivery, and ensuring that the HSE can meet the healthcare needs of the population. His extensive experience and commitment to public service are expected to play a crucial role in navigating the challenges ahead and achieving the HSE’s goals.

An Garda Síochána has launched its latest Garda Reserve recruitment campaign, aiming to expand this voluntary program. The campaign encourages applications from individuals aged 18 to 60. The goal is to increase the strength of the Garda Reserve to 1,000 by 2026.

What is the Garda Reserve?

Garda Reserves are voluntary members of An Garda Síochána who assist with local patrols, crime reduction initiatives, and policing major incidents and events. They contribute to their communities by engaging in activities such as community outreach, traffic management, and administrative duties. While the service is voluntary and unpaid, an allowance is provided for expenses incurred during duty hours¹.

Stipend Increase

As of June 1, 2024, the stipend for Garda Reserves has been updated:

• 50 hours completed: €500 stipend
• 100 hours completed: €1,000 stipend
• 200 hours completed: €2,000 stipend
• 200 hours or above: €3,000 stipend¹.

Encouraging Diversity

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris emphasizes the importance of community representation and encourages individuals from minority communities to join the Garda Reserves. This recruitment campaign aims to create a diverse cohort of Reserves who contribute to a trusted and valued police service in Ireland¹.

Interested in volunteering? Apply before 3 pm on July 4 to serve your local community and gain hands-on policing experience.