Vol. 545 No. 5
48 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the fact that over 200 consultant posts are currently vacant in hospitals; and the measures he intends to introduce to deal with these delays. [30926/01]
Responsibility for the filling of vacant consultant posts lies, in the first instance, with the relevant agency or hospital. There are 200 Comhairle approved, vacant, permanent consultant posts; the recruitment process being undertaken by the relevant employing authorities is at an advanced stage in respect of 130 of these posts. Approximately 50 new consultants are scheduled to commence duty in these posts in the new year.
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is currently reviewing procedures for processing applications for consultant posts once they have been received in my Department from the agencies.
