Vol. 431 No. 8
125 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the number of occupational therapists who are employed by the Eastern Health Board at present; the number of posts which are vacant in the occupational therapy area; and if he intends to increase numbers in view of demand.
There are 67 occupational therapists currently employed by the Eastern Health Board. I understand from inquiries which I have had made with the board that there are two senior occupational therapist posts vacant at present.
Regarding arrangements to recruit more occupational therapists, I should explain to the Deputy that in accordance with my Department's personnel policy, health agencies have discretion to direct staffing resources to areas of particular priority within the context of their approved staffing ceiling and financial allocation.
126 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the names and appropriate staffing grades applicable to those appointed by way of ministerial approval without competition to permanent positions within the Eastern Health Board within the last two years.
As the Deputy is aware, there is a convention in this House that if it can be avoided, names should not be mentioned and persons outside the House or officials should not be referred to so as to be identifiable. It is against this background that I am providing the Deputy with the following information.
