asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied with the functioning of Comhairle na nOspidéal since his taking office; and whether the changing of the procedures for applications by him has interfered with the independent operation of this body.
Written Answers. - Comhairle na nOspidéal.
22.
When I took office initially I was not satisfied with the functioning of Comhairle na nOspidéal because when considering applications for consultant appointments they did not take account of the financial resources which would be required to support the appointment. Consequently, I decided that before an application would be considered by the comhairle it should be submitted to my Department so that the financial implications of the appointment could be clarified and a decision given as to whether or not the necessary resources were available. This procedure has been in operation now since 1983.
I also considered it desirable that when considering applications the comhairle should be aware of the Department's policy regarding the organisation of the specialty or service involved. Consequently, since the new comhairle was appointed in October last my Department sends to the comhairle a statement of its policy which is taken into account by the comhairle in consideration of each application.
The new procedures for examining applications have been operating very successfully and, far from interfering with comhairle's independence, have enabled it to carry out its work with full awareness of the overall financial situation and of the Department's policy on hospital services.
With these revised procedures, I am satisfied with the functioning of Comhairle na nOspidéal.