Limerick East): I have set out in the following table details of the Western Health Board's most recent submission to the Department seeking approval for the filling of consultant posts and additional non-consultant posts. Under revised arrangements, the Western Health Board may now fill replacement non-consultant posts without recourse to the Department, provided it is managing its expenditure within agreed limits.
The Department is now considering the board's submission having regard to the priority afforded to each post by the Western Health Board and the availability of financial resources. None of the additional posts listed has been approved to-date. Discussions are ongoing between the Department and the board in relation to medical consultant manpower needs in the board's area.