HSE defends jobs stance

The HSE has defended its efforts to recruit staff in mental health care following criticisms that it was too accepting of chronic vacancies and shortages in the sector.

The Oireachtas committee on the future of mental health care published a damning report this week, detailing significant failings in services, including the lack of staff in key positions.

It found that 700 new posts were unfilled while, at any given time, the HSE was struggling to replace personnel in 600 existing posts.