The Irish Society of Paramedicine has said that 80 newly qualified paramedics face an uncertain future, having been told by the HSE that they must reapply to retain their jobs.
The paramedics employed at the HSE National Ambulance Service (NAS) recently completed a BSc in Paramedic Studies, the last phase of their paramedic training.
James Mullen, chairperson of the society, said that the new development is a break from established practice within the HSE and that previously the HSE NAS offered graduating paramedics permanent contracts, on successful completion of training.
It said that the group of paramedics were informed on 20 February that their temporary training contracts are to be extended for just 16 weeks.
The extension would provide for staff to participate in an internal recruitment competition to secure permanent jobs.
It follows changes to the HSE WTE (Wholetime Equivalent) Management & Control arrangements within the National Ambulance Service.
The Society said that the affected staff members have been given no information about where vacancies may become available, prompting significant concern.
There HSE said there is no embargo on staffing within the National Ambulance Service (NAS). On the contrary, NAS will continue to expand its frontline workforce in 2026 through a series of planned new developments.
It added that graduates completing the programme in 2026 will be eligible to apply for permanent vacancies and new development posts in areas prioritised for expansion, based on service activity and operational need.
In a letter from the NAS Director, Robert Morton, to the SIPTU & Unite unions, the HSE said that it intends to hold an 'Internal Confined Campaign' to enable the Year 3 students to apply for permanent paramedic positions "where an approved, funded and vacant position number exists in the operational delivery system".
The HSE said the single national campaign is expected to result in up to six regional panels, from which existing vacancies in each health region will be filled, "as soon as practically possible".
The HSE said one of the changes that has prompted the development is that responsibility for staff transfers will be moving from the National Ambulance Service HR, to National Ambulance Service Operations, with staff transfers within a health region becoming the responsibility of the relevant general manager, and any national transfers requiring action/approval by the Office of the Director of Operations.
