asked the Minister for Health the number of employees at all levels in the North Eastern Health Board who are over the official retirement age; the reason in each case why they continue to be employed; the reason they cannot be replaced if the jobs were advertised; and if it is his Department's policy that the board employ people after the retirement age.
Written Answers. - North Eastern Health Board.
657.
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:—
There are ten persons employed by the North-Eastern Health Board in a temporary capacity who are over the official retiring age. The reasons for their retention are as follows:—
A senior health inspector and a consultant general surgeon are employed in a temporary capacity pending the receipt of recommendations from the Local Appointments Commission for the filling of these two posts in a permanent capacity;
A temporary Grade 2 Clerk is employed in the Louth community care area pending the move to the new offices when this post will not be required;
A temporary Grade 3 Clerk is employed in the County Meath Hospital Services Programme pending the taking up of duty by the replacement officer who has been appointed;
Two foremen are employed in a temporary capacity pending a review of the health board's maintenance services;
A public health nurse is employed in a temporary capacity in the Cavan community care area pending the taking up of duty by her replacement, who has been recruited;
Two farm staff are retained in a temporary capacity pending a review of the future of the two posts;
A temporary part-time medical officer is employed in St. Mary's Geriatric Hospital, Drogheda; the board are taking steps to fill this post in a permanent capacity.
It is the Department's policy that persons should retire on reaching the retirement age.