Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 1

Written Answers. - Clonmel (Tipperary) Hospital.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

576 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health the reason no additional nursing posts were sanctioned for St. Joseph's Hospital, Clonmel, County Tipperary; if he will confirm that an embargo on posts was re-established in June, 1991; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

There are currently no proposals for additional nursing posts for St. Joseph's Hospital, Clonmel before my Department for consideration.

Each health board is responsible for determining the staffing needs of the individual hospitals under their management and for establishing priorities for the allocation of staff within the approved employment ceiling for the board. I understand that the staffing situation in St. Joseph's Hospital is being kept under review by the South Eastern Health Board.

It is not true to suggest that an outright embargo on staff recruitment was re-established in June 1991. Revised arrangements were introduced by my Department to ensure that employment within the health system would remain at a level which was consistent with the Government's policy on public service employment generally and with each agency's financial allocation. While the revised arrangements require agencies to submit all proposed permanent appointments to my Department, there has been no delay in clearing appointments in agencies which are operating within their approved financial and employment parameters.