Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 6

Written Answers. - Health Board Posts.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

52 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Health the distribution of area medical officer posts on a health board by health board basis, as per his October 1994 memorandum of agreement on revised arrangements for public health medicine and community care medical services; the number of such posts by health board which are filled on a permanent basis; when the balance of such posts by health board will be filled on a permanent basis; and the reason there has been a two and a half year delay in filling these posts on a permanent basis. [10126/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): The delay in filling temporary positions of area medical officer on a permanent basis in health boards was due to difficulties encountered in filling the more senior positions provided for in the memorandum of agreement on revised arrangements for public health medicine and community care medical services. I am pleased, however, to inform the Deputy that a large number of these positions are now being processed by the Local Appointments Commission for permanent filling and it is expected that this process will be completed shortly.

The information in relation to the numbers and appointment type of area medical officers is not readily available in my Department but is being sought from each health board and I will be in further communication with the Deputy as soon as possible.