Vol. 572 No. 1
166 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a embargo on the employment of staff in the area of the east coast region and the South-Western Area Health Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22595/03]
There is no embargo on recruitment imposed by my Department. The chief executive officer of each individual health board has responsibility for the management of the workforce, including the appropriate staffing mix and the precise grades of staff employed within that board, in line with service plan priorities, subject to overall employment levels remaining within the authorised ceiling.
167 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation with respect to the building of the health centre in Newtownmountkennedy, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22596/03]
The provision of health centres to meet the needs of local communities and the maintenance and upgrading of such centres within its functional area is a matter for the relevant health board or the Eastern Regional Health Authority. In the case of Newtownmountkennedy Health Centre, County Wicklow, this responsibility rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority.
I have been in contact with the Eastern Regional Health Authority and have been informed that it is acknowledged that the health centre facilities at Newtownmountkennedy have been less than ideal for some time. The short notice given to demolish the old health centre, the structure of which was deemed to be unsafe, exacerbated this situation. The Eastern Regional Health Authority has also stressed that the use of the local community hall was, and still is, intended only to be an interim solution.
Alternatives to the present arrangements are being explored by the authority. Proposals and specifications for a new health centre have been drafted. The Eastern Regional Health Authority has also discussed incorporating a new health centre in the proposed town centre development at Newtownmountkennedy. The developer is currently seeking planning permission and the Eastern Regional Health Authority is awaiting the outcome. The Eastern Regional Health Authority is also engaged in discussions with Wicklow County Council to ensure that the delivery of the health centre remains as a priority for both agencies.
