Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jan 1996

Vol. 460 No. 3

Written Answers. - Medical Consultant Appointments.

Micheál Martin

Question:

196 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Health, in view of the fact that the body appointed to advise him on medical consultant manpower throughout the country has reported that the Southern Health Board area is the region in most need of new appointments in the establishment of the new Comhairle Body, the reason no recent medical appointees came from the Southern Health Board area whereas nine appointees came from the Dublin area which is the area best staffed at medical consultant level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1332/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): The function of Comhairle na nOspidéal is to regulate the number and type of consultant and senior registrar appointments. The comhairle also advises on matters relating to the organisation and operation of hospital services.

The recent appointments to the comhairle reflect, in my view, a reasonable balance taking account of necessary technical knowledge and experience, geographic, gender and other factors. It should be noted that the initiative on the replacement and operation of consultant posts rests, in the first instance, with the employing authority. The comhairle's role is to determine objectively the need for each post and to structure the post efficiently.

I would point out that the membership of the current comhairle does in fact include three representatives from the Southern Health Board area.

I have every confidence that the newly appointed comhairle will address its brief in an informed, equitable and mature fashion.