Vol. 415 No. 4
170 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if she will outline (a) the total number of new consultant positions which Comhairle na nOspidéal have recommended in order to meet the demands of the country's hospital services, (b) the areas of specialty in which they are needed and (c) the distribution across the health boards.
Comhairle na nOspidéal are the statutory body with the responsibility for regulating the number and type of consultant appointments. The creation of a post is approved by the comhairle on the application of the agency proposing to fill the post. From time to time the comhairle conduct studies into particular specialities. The reports of those studies are published and applications for posts are examined in the light of the recommendations contained in these reports. Occasionally the comhairle examine the total consultant needs of a geographical area especially where hospital services have undergone, or are about to undergo, major changes.
It is not possible to outline the information sought by the Deputy as the comhairle have not approached their functions or made recommendations in the manner outlined by the Deputy.
