asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that there are vacancies for health inspectors in County Louth; and if he will take steps to expedite the filling of these vacancies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Louth Health Inspectors.
31.
I am so aware. There are five approved posts of health inspector for the County Louth area. Two of those are filled in a permanent capacity; two are filled in a temporary capacity and one is vacant.
The Local Appointments Commission are at present conducting a competition for the filling of vacancies for health inspectors under a number of health boards, including the vacancies under the NorthEastern Health Board.
Is the Minister aware that this situation has existed in County Louth for some time and that there is only one temporary health inspector working in the south Louth area? Is the Minister further aware that this is causing considerable hardship to very many people in the area? What can he do to expedite the appointments?
As I told the Deputy in the latter part of my reply, the Local Appointments Commission are conducting competitions for the filling of the vacancies. The NorthEastern Health Board, including County Louth, will be considered by them.
Would the Minister tell us why it has taken so long for this matter to come before the Local Appointments Commission? As I pointed out, this problem has existed for quite awhile.
I do not think I could at the present time.
Could the Minister do anything to speed up the procedures of the Local Appointments Commission?
As I said, the Local Appointments Commission are conducting competitions, so I presume it will take another month or two before the final results are known.