The recruitment freeze in the health service will be lifted at the end of the month, Health Service Executive (HSE) management told unions yesterday. Martin Walland Eithne Donnellanreports.
However, the HSE said any recruitment in 2008 would be "subject to rigorous procedures and must be within the national employment ceiling".
Sources said the HSE plans to differentiate between vacancies that arise in existing posts and positions earmarked for new service developments.
The HSE is to devolve authority for filling vacancies in existing posts to regional level within the organisation.
However, posts sought for new service developments will have to go for approval to a centralised unit of the HSE.
The national secretary of the Impact trade union, Kevin Callinan, who is secretary to the health service staff panel, said the health service unions remained concerned that the financial allocation to the HSE for next year was insufficient.
He said the unanswered question was whether services next year could be maintained on the current level of funding on offer from the Government but he welcomed the decision by the HSE to enter into dialogue with staff representatives.
Meanwhile, efforts are to be made by the HSE from the beginning of next year to save €280 million through more efficient and effective management of resources, according to the organisation's service plan for 2008.
The plan, published yesterday, states an ambitious programme of value for money is planned.
Some €120 million of the savings are expected to be made on the cost of drugs.
The document states that robust monitoring and control processes will be in place from the beginning of the new year to ensure the HSE delivers its service plan within its €14.1 billion budget.
This year the HSE had to be bailed out by money set aside for nursing home refunds when it recorded a deficit of €255 million.
Its service plan for next year states: "There will be a full performance review at the end of each month to address any emerging variances from Vote [ budget] and other trends.
The HSE document states that control of employee numbers is critical to successful delivery of the plan. "Employment levels in 2008 will not be allowed to grow beyond authorised levels," it adds.