asked the Minister for Health the total number of persons of all categories employed in the administration of the health services by local authorities at 31st March, 1970; and the corresponding numbers employed by the regional health boards at 31st March 1972.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Service Administration.
4.
The numbers engaged in administration of the health services within the local authorities on 31st March, 1970, was 1,325, of whom 68 were part-time. The number so engaged under the health boards on 31st March, 1972, was 1,503.
These figures, I should mention, do not reflect changes in numbers caused by the establishment of the health boards. The boards did not take over responsibility for services and staff until 1st April, 1971. Furthermore, increases in staff arising from developments in services, such as the choice-of-doctor scheme, would be necessary irrespective of whether the health services were administered by local authorities or health boards.