Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 1

Written Answers. - Consultant Appointments.

Ivan Yates

Question:

45 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 99 of 8 February 2001, any of the additional accident and emergency consultants for casualty hospitals have been offered employment by the health boards; and the number who are likely to take up duty by 31 December 2001 when the contracts will expire. [9890/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

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 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.

It typically takes more than 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, it was agreed with Comhairle na nOspidéal that the additional appointments in this key area 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 this area over the coming months and I am confident that the posts involved can be filled in the current year.