asked the Minister for Health if he has seen the report by Comhairle na nOspidéal concerning the number of unfilled consultant posts in Ireland, as well as the low consultant/population ratio in the Eastern Health Board area; and what measures he proposes to take to remedy this situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unfilled Consultant Posts.
34.
Appointments have now been made to 20 of the posts shown as vacant at the 1st May, 1977, in the report referred to by the Deputy and in the case of 14 other consultant posts the Local Appointments Commissioners have recommended candidates for appointment. In the case of the other posts the necessary steps towards filling them in a permanent capacity are being taken. In many cases they are already filled in a temporary or locum capacity pending the making of such permanent appointments.
With regard to the ratio consultants to population the report states that at the 1st May, 1977, the national ratio was one consultant to each 3,300 persons while in the Eastern Health Board area the ratio was one to 2,300. The more favourable ratio in the Eastern Health Board area is largely due to the more specialised services provided in the Dublin teaching hospitals many of which provide services for persons from outside the Eastern Health Board area.