asked the Minister for Health if Comhairle na nOspidéal has yet worked out a common selection method for all new hospital consultant appointments; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Consultant Appointments.
52.
Comhairle na nOspidéal were requested, by my predecessor, to suggest to him as a matter of priority a common selection procedure for consultant appointments which would be generally acceptable to the interests concerned and which would apply in the case of all public hospitals providing services under the Health Acts. The comhairle were also requested to indicate, in broad outline, the machinery for the implementation of such a selection procedure.
I have been informed that the comhairle have been actively applying themselves to this problem, which is a complicated one, but I cannot yet say when they will be in a position to make their recommendations to me.
Is the Minister aware that because of the delay a number of appointments will be made under the old system and this will cause a great deal of annoyance to people who consider that the new selection method should be implemented soon?
I take the Deputy's point. I would add that it will be a matter of months before the report will be ready to be sent to me.
Can the Minister state what will happen with regard to present vacancies in the meantime?
I cannot tell the Deputy what may happen.