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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 3

Written Answers. - Consultant Appointments.

John Gormley

Question:

155 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of consultants employed by the public health service who are on category 1 and category 2 contracts; if the health boards have a uniform policy in relation to the issuing of both types of contracts to consultants working within the public health service; if his Department promotes a particular policy in relation to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4165/03]

According to Comhairle na nOspidéal, as of 1 January, there were 1,118 approved category I posts, 47 of these being geographical wholetime without fees, and 604 approved category II posts.

Established under the Health Act 1970, Comhairle na nOspidéal is responsible for regulating the number and type of consultant posts in the public health service. Consequently, it advises health boards on the category of contract to be offered to each consultant. While a precise method for determining the number and type of consultant appointments required has not been developed in any country, Comhairle makes its decisions based on its own published policy, precedent, professional advice, relevant local information, demography and relevant statistics. Government policy in relation to the provision of high quality and safe hospital services is paramount in the decisions of Comhairle na nOspidéal.

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