Jimmy Deenihan
Question:97 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health when he intends to make the 50 temporary nurses at Tralee General Hospital, County Kerry permanent.
Written Answers. - Appointment of Nurses.
The Southern Health Board, in common with other health agencies, has recently been advised of the revised health services personnel policy which will apply in 1990. Under this policy, the board will be free to make routine permanent appointments without reference to my Department subject to operation within notified allocation and staffing levels. I understand from the board that a number of permanent nursing posts for Tralee General Hospital will shortly be advertised. The board also point out that the majority of the staff referred to by the Deputy are in fact locum personnel employed to cover the absence of permanent staff on sick leave, annual leave and maternity leave.