Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 1

Written Answers. - Health Service Staff.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

94 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of the 6,496 workers in the health service above the authorised limit, according to the report into the health service for the Department of Finance, who were employed in each individual health board; if this information will be provided in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11610/03]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

128 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the employment status and job description of each of the 6,496 workers in the health service above the authorised limit, according to the report into the health service for the Department of Finance; if this information will be provided in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11609/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 128 together.

I presume the Deputy is referring to the report of the Commission on Financial Management and Control Systems in the Health Service, which was established by the Minister for Finance. As this report has not yet been published, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on it. I can confirm, however, that the current total level of employment in the heath service is within the ceiling of 96,000 personnel, net of home helps, in wholetime equivalent terms authorised by the Department of Finance.