asked the Minister for Health how many of the 24 persons who received health inspector's diplomas in July last have been appointed, and when it is proposed to appoint the remainder.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Health Inspectors.
Following the completion of a two-year course of training for health inspectors, 17 students passed the qualifying examination in July last. A further six have since been successful bringing the total number of qualified persons from this course to 23. To date four of these have secured permanent appointments and 15 have been appointed by the Dublin Corporation in a temporary capacity.
Competitions for the filling of permanent health inspector posts in the health authority service are conducted by the Local Appointments Commission which is at present dealing with requests from health authorities for the filling of six permanent posts. Further competitions will be held by the commission as the need arises.
Is the Minister aware that some of these applicants have been waiting for a considerable time and could he indicate when the remainder will be called?
As statutory requests come in from health authorities, the Appointments Commission make arrangements to fill the posts. They are dealing with six applications for permanent posts at the moment and it is anticipated that requests will come in for the filling of other permanent posts. It is the concern of my Department that these posts be filled as quickly as possible.