The HSE has spent nearly 200 million euro employing agency staff over a seven month period in 2016.
The figures were released after Dublin TD Tommy Broughan raised the question about agency costs after meeting with members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.
The Independents 4 Change TD is calling for the HSE to invest in long-term resources instead.
The largest element of the extra cost for agency staff is the 23 per cent in Vat, which goes to the exchequer.
