Vol. 492 No. 1
150 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason he has not given his approval for the replacement of two consultants (details supplied) who announced their imminent departure and who are due to retire within one month. [13588/98]
The appointment of replacement consultants is a matter for each health agency, subject to the approval of my Department and Comhairle na nOspidéal.
I have made inquiries of the chief executive officer of the Southern Health Board, who has advised me that he has commenced the procedures in the normal manner to ensure that replacement consultants are recruited in both cases.
As the Deputy is aware, the process of appointing a consultant can take some time because of the necessity to ensure the recruitment of the most suitably qualified candidate. In order to ensure the seamless continuation of services it is the normal practice for agencies to utilise the services of a locum consultant.
