Strong response to HSE redundancy scheme

More than 8,500 HSE workers have expressed an interest in an early retirement and redundancy package, it has emerged today.

Health Minister Mary Harney told the Dáil today that the number is made up of more than 5,200 managerial positions and 3,250 support staff.

The Government's hoping to shed 5,000 positions in the organisation by the end of the year.