asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in confirming the appointment of a second haematologist at Galway Regional Hospital.
Written Answers. - Galway Regional Hospital Appointment.
156.
The Western Health Board has identified sufficient resources to my Department to meet the direct cost of funding this post which amount to about £38,000 at current prices. However, recent correspondence with the board would suggest that this appointment may be associated with service developments which could result in significant additional revenue costs for which resources have not yet been identified by the board.
The Western Health Board was accordingly asked by my Department on 12 February to identify any such developments and their associated costs. Following receipt of this information from the board, further consideration will be given to this appointment.
When, and if, the funding of the post is cleared by my Department a formal application will have to be made to Comhairle na nOspidéal which is the body charged with the statutory responsibility for creating consultant posts.