Vol. 534 No. 1
152 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children why the winter initiative, which was to lead to the immediate employment of at least 27 accident and emergency consultants and a large number of extra anaesthetists to cope with the winter crisis, did not happen due to the fact these appointments have yet to take effect. [10164/01]
My Department is advised by the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards that to date, 11 candidates have been appointed, have been offered, or are being offered temporary contracts, on foot of the decision to recruit additional consultants in accident and emergency medicine in acute general hospitals. In addition, I understand that interviews have been scheduled with a view to the early recruitment of a further ten consultants. The remaining eight posts may need to be readvertised. With regard to the consultant anaesthetists, my Department is informed that four candidates have been appointed to date and that arrangements are continuing for the appointment of further consultants in this area.
I would like to point out to the Deputy that it typically takes over 12 months to complete recruitment of a consultant on a permanent basis. In the circumstances and with a view to increasing, as soon as possible, the number of consultants working in accident and emergency departments and in anaesthetics, it was agreed with Comhairle na nOspidéal that the additional appointments in these key areas would initially be made on a temporary basis. It is evident from the progress report that I have presented above, that the initiative has reduced the long lead-in time normally associated with the recruitment of additional consultants. I look forward to continuing progress in these areas over the coming months and I am confident that the posts involved can be filled in the current year.
