Vol. 435 No. 9
115 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are only three neurologists in the eight health boards in the country; when a neurologist will be appointed to the North-Eastern Health Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There are currently nine consultant neurologists employed in the public health services nationally. This figure includes those employed by the health boards and in the voluntary hospital sector.
Under my Department's current personnel policy, it is a matter for each agency to identify manpower requirements. Proposals for the filling of new and replacement permanent 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. The North Eastern Health Board have not listed the post in question on their most recent statement of planned appointments to my Department.
