Vol. 459 No. 3
100 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health if any health board has taken a policy decision that all new consultant posts will be designated as geographic whole-time; if his Department believes that the number of geographic whole-time consultant posts should be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18248/95]
, Limerick East): As far as I am aware, only one health board has adopted a policy of having all new consultant appointments in the geographical whole-time category: In other boards a separate decision is made in relation to each new and replacement consultant post. The final decision on such matters rests with Comhairle na nOspidéal which has the statutory responsibility for structuring consultant posts. The Government remains committed to the maintenance of private medicine both within the public hospital system and in the private sector. As Minister for Health I have a particular responsibility to ensure that the needs of public patients are satisfactorily provided for. I am satisfied that the present mix of consultant posts adequately addresses all of these requirements.
