Hospital Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Questions (1404)

John Halligan

Question:

1404. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Health if the orthaeopedic surgical rotation in Waterford Regional Hospital is currently operating at full capacity; if not, if he will confirm the efforts being made to fill any vacant positions; the efforts being made to speed up the provision of these essential services; when the provision of elective surgeries will recommence, as at the moment this Deputy understands only trauma cases are being seen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37714/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Government has decided that the numbers employed across the public service must be reduced in order to meet its fiscal and budgetary targets. The Health Sector must make its contribution to that reduction. However, the HSE can make staff appointments once it remains within its overall employment ceiling and has the financial resources to do so.

In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.