asked the Minister for Health if he will withdraw the staff embargo in special situations in the health service; i.e. where consultancy posts are urgently needed.
Written Answers. - Health Service Embargo.
40.
Personnel numbers employed in the health services are controlled effectively through the budgets made available in respect of pay costs contained in the allocations to health boards in respect of non-capital expenditure. As regards consultant posts consideration to create such posts must also be made in this context and also in line with statutory provisions and other procedures required prior to the making of such appointments. These processes include a requirement that my Department will give its observations on the financial implications before an application is made to Comhairle na nOspidéal for approval to a consultant post. Comhairle na nOspidéal is the statutory body set up under the Health Act, 1970, to regulate the number and type of appointments of consultant medical staff.