asked the Minister for Health if he will give an assurance that all vacancies in the psychiatric field in the Western and North Western Health Board areas will be filled in the near future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Psychiatric Post Vacancies.
23.
The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot give an assurance on this matter.
However, my policy in this regard is that when vacancies occur—or, better still, where they can be anticipated—the employing authorities should quickly decide whether, and, if so, under what conditions, the vacancies should be filled. Thereupon, the selection process, whether undertaken locally or through the Local Appointments Commission, should be initiated with all possible speed.
Where appropriate, and where suitable candidates are available, there is no objection to the appointment of persons in a temporary capacity pending the making of permanent appointments.
Would the Minister agree that difficulty is experienced by these health boards because the monetary rewards are inadequate to induce persons to take up residence in these areas?
That may be a factor. The Deputy is quite right when he says it appears to be difficult to attract people to this area.