asked the Minister for Health if he will allow temporary staff to be employed in the North Eastern Health Board area in view of the 150 applications which have been submitted to his Department for voluntary redundancy, to ensure that an adequate health-care service can be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Health Board Temporary Staff.
52.
I have conveyed approval within the past week to each health board to the application of the public service early retirement-voluntary redundancy package to staff identified as surplus to requirements on the basis (a) that they are not replaced and (b) that their departure will not result in adverse effects on essential services or in further institutions being closed.
Using these criteria, the North Eastern Health Board will, I understand be able to allow slightly less than one-third of the 150 staff who applied to avail of the package. As there is no question of taking on extra staff to replace those who go, the board have to ensure that they retain sufficient staff to maintain essential services.