Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin West Jack Chambers has expressed concern about the amount of money spent by the HSE on agency staff in the first four months of the year.
New figures released to Fianna Fáil reveal that 49 per cent of the HSE’s agency staff budget was used up by the end of April.
Mr Chambers said the HSE figures make for worrying reading and could see its budget for agency staff spiral out of control before the end of the year.
“Bosses in the health service estimated agency staff costs at €226 million for all of 2016, however €111 million of that has already been spent by the end of April,” said Mr Chambers.
“If agency costs continue to be racked up at this rate, the total spend for the year would be in the region of €333 million – that’s €108 million of an overrun.”
Mr Chambers said while agency staff play an important role in filling gaps in the system, the Minister for Health Simon Harris must ensure that key posts within the health service are not left vacant for long periods of time.
“Filling staff vacancies must be made a priority for senior managers and Minister Harris must ensure that this is done in a timely manner. Not only would this lead to better continuity for patients and staff, it would cut down on agency costs. Until this issue is properly addressed, we are unlikely to see these substantial agency charges reduced,” he said.
The figures were revealed to Fianna Fáil health spokesman Billy Kelleher in a parliamentary question.
The HSE said the use of agency staff is closely monitored and only used when strictly necessary to avoid service disruption.
Where the budget allows, agency staff may be used only where no alternative is possible and where there is a short-term critical service need.
The HSE said it has in place robust processes to ensure all possible staffing options are considered prior to the use of agency staff ensuring that standards of safety and quality care for patients are met.