asked the Minister for Health when it is proposed to appoint a second anaesthetist at Monaghan hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Consultant Post at Monaghan Hospital.
132.
The approval of consultant posts is a function of Comhairle na nOspidéal, the statutory body set up under the Health Act, 1970, to regulate the number and type of appointments of consultant medical staff. before an application is made to comhairle airle, it is a requirement that my Department will give its observations on the financial implications of filling a post. The Department has been informed by the North Eastern Health Board that the estimated cost of filling the proposed anaesthetist post would be £261,267. There is no provision in the 1986 budget of the health board for this position.