HSE clerical staff will stage protests outside Dublin hospitals today.
They're calling for the current ban on recruitment to be scrapped.
They'll protest at St. Vincent's, Crumlin Children's Hospital and Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, and Dr. Steeven's Hospital in Kilmainham from 12.45 to 1.45 this lunchtime.
It's part of a nationwide protest campaign at 15 locations around the country, with further demonstrations continuing around the country tomorrow.
Ashley Connolly from Fórsa trade union says their members are crucial to the delivery of healthcare and are not just an "add on";
"Clerical and admin staff at the HSE are not responsible for budget overruns. Despite extensive engagement by Fórsa, the HSE remains unwilling to acknowledge that vacant posts must be filled. At this time of year, the health services need to be fully staffed, not understaffed.
“As we enter the midwinter season, vital posts remain unfilled, which will mean pressure building up at points of delivery throughout our health service. The HSE must recruit and fill vital positions now, before services are irreversibly affected."
This is the next stage a period of industrial action that started on October 6th, demanding an end to the recruitment freeze.
