Noel Davern
Question:137 Mr. Davern asked the Minister for Health when an announcement will be made in relation to the appointment of a general surgeon to south Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8115/97]
Written Answers. - Hospital Appointments.
Limerick East): The management of health services, including the employment of staff, is a matter, in the first instance, for each health agency. Approval for the filling of the post of consultant surgeon for south Tipperary acute hospital services was issued by the Department to the chief executive officer of the South-Eastern Health Board on 8 March 1996, subject to approval by Comhairle na nOspidéal. I have been informed by the board that the Local Appointments Commission held interviews for the filling of the post on 24 February 1997. I understand that a candidate for the post is presently under consideration. The commission hopes to be in a position to make a final recommendation in the near future.
Noel Davern
Question:138 Mr. Davern asked the Minister for Health when written confirmation of the financial arrangements for the consultant paediatrician appointments to south Tipperary will be forwarded by his Department to the South-Eastern Health Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8116/97]
Limerick East): A consultant paediatrician was sanctioned by my Department in May 1996 for St. Joseph's Hospital, Clonmel. All such sanctions are subject to approval by Comhairle na n-Ospidéal, the statutory body changed with the regulation of appointments of consultant medical staff.
Comhairle na n-Ospidéal was not satisfied with the proposals in respect of paediatric services as submitted by the South-Eastern Health Board and, accordingly, did not approve this post. In the circumstances, the South-Eastern Health Board was asked to reassess the position in relation to the total delivery of paediatric services within the board with a view to submitting proposals which are acceptable.
It is intended that paediatric services at St. Joseph's Hospital, Clonmel will be funded from the £12.5 million package I have committed for the development of health services in South Tipperary.