Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 6

Written Answers. - Hospital Staff Recruitment.

Bernard Allen

Question:

283 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, he is proposing to take to deal with the severe shortage of non-consultant hospital doctors in anaesthesia; and if his Department has entered into discussions with the health boards in view of the fact effect these shortages will have on the level of surgical procedures being undertaken in our public hospitals. [3106/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The recruitment of staff is a matter for the employing authority in the first instance but I am aware that a small number of hospitals have had difficulties in recruiting junior anaesthetists. In view of the fact that anaesthesia is a largely consultant-delivered service, I am confident that any difficulty in recruiting non-consultant hospital doctors should not have a significant effect on the number of procedures undertaken.