Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Health Board Services.

Conor Lenihan

Question:

850 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people who work purely in administrative capacities within the health services; and the way in which this, as a percentage, compares with other EU countries. [19952/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The Commission on Financial Management and Control Systems in the Health Service, drawing on analysis carried out by the directors of human resources in the health boards, reported earlier this year that 5.9% of the total health service workforce were employed in a purely administrative capacity. This would comprise 5,648 staff in wholetime equivalent terms at end 2002. These personnel are categorised by role-function in the following table.

Administrative Staff within Management/Administrative Grade

Category	Total WTEs	0% of allhealth ServiceEmployees
		%
Payroll etc.	1,412	1.48
Human Resource Management (incl. training)	785	0.82
Service Managers	471	0.49
IT Staff	471	0.49
General Management Support	1,726	1.80
Legislative and information requirements	785	0.82
Total	5,648	5.90

Source: Department of health and Children Personnel Census (31 December 2002)

The Deputy may wish to note that the administrative responsibilities of these employees are critical to the effective running of the health service. My Department does not hold comparable information for other EU countries.

Question No. 851 answered with Question No. 849.