Vol. 421 No. 4
205 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the problems existing in Tralee General Hospital because of the low staffing levels of nurses; if he has any plans to improve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The identification of staffing needs at Tralee General Hospital is a matter for the Southern Health Board in the first instance. Proposals for the filling of new and replacement posts are reviewed on a monthly basis by my Department. This review is undertaken having regard to service and personnel criteria in the context of the priority afforded to each post by the agency concerned and with particular regard to the availability of financial resources.
Under existing personnel policy, it is, therefore, the responsibility of each health agency to submit prioritised manpower proposals to my Department including details of service requirement and proposed funding arrangements.
Proposals in respect of the posts referred to by the Deputy have not been included by the Southern Health Board in its most recent manpower submission to my Department.
