Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2013
667. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the procedure for the approval of consultant posts in the public health system; the basis on which decisions are made in respect of geographical locations and specialties; and his views on the adequacy of the current provision. [50864/13]
View answerThe procedure for the approval of consultant posts in the public system and the determination of the number and type of appointments, are matters for the HSE. Under section 57 of the Health Act 2004, Comhairle na nOspidéal was dissolved on the Health Service Executive's establishment day, 1st January 2005, and its functions transferred to the Executive on that date. These included regulation of the number and type of appointments of consultant medical staffs. The number of consultants employed within the public health service currently stands at 2,670 (on a headcount basis). This represents a 9% increase on the equivalent figure for 2011 and is the largest number of consultants ever employed in the Irish health service. I have referred the Deputy's question to the HSE for direct reply in respect of the procedures followed by the Executive in making consultant appointments.
