To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of (i) 79 per cent of the Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Workforce being female; and (ii) the risks associated with potential staffing shortages considering that of this number only 54 per cent work full time.

Staffing matters are the responsibility of Health and Social Care Trusts based on service need and available resources.

Appointments to positions in the HSC are based on specific criteria and are merit based. The terms and conditions and the wide variety of available job roles for HSC staff are such that we attract applications from all sections of the community and it is clear that many women take the opportunity to have a fulfilling career in this field.

Staffing levels are managed on a funded establishment basis of full-time equivalent staff and it is for HSC employers to manage alternative working patterns within this. I expect HSC employers to balance the need for flexible working patterns with the requirement to maintain safe and effective round-the clock services.