I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 236 together.
Under my Department's current personnel policy, each agency has responsibility for identifying manpower requirements. Proposals for the filling of new and replacement permanent posts are reviewed on a regular 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 Western Health Board has not sought approval for the creation of a post of consultant rheumatologist on its most recent manpower submission to my Department.