Vol. 563 No. 4
401 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if, as a result of the recent independent report concerning St. Mary's, Drumcar, his Department has funded an additional 30 jobs at the centre or if these jobs were in fact funded from the North-Eastern Health Board's budget; the services which were cut in order to provide these additional jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7718/03]
As a result of discussions between my Department, the North-Eastern Health Board and the St. John of God Order, agreement was reached to enable the order to proceed with the immediate recruitment of 30 additional staff to address the priority issues identified in the consultant's report around quality of care and health and safety. My Department has not provided any additional funding to the board in respect of these posts. They are being funded by the board from within their 2003 contingency fund which is part of the approved health board determination for this year.
402 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of health boards operating a system of holding contingency funds; the way in which decisions regarding the use of these funds are made; if they are at the discretion of the chief executive officer or the boards themselves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7719/03]
The letter of determination for 2003, which issued to health boards/authority on 5 December 2002, advised them of the initial funding available which, together with any additional funding for specific issues which may be notified during the year, represents the total funding available for services for 2003. Health boards/authority were also advised to provide an appropriate contingency sum to cover unexpected issues or pressures which might arise during the year.
