Wednesday, 5 Feb 2014

Written Answers Nos 191 - 196

Health Services Staff Recruitment

Questions (191, 192, 193)

Colm Keaveney

Question:

191. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health if it is the case that with regard to the practices used by the Health Service Executive in the employment of psychologists that only those with the specific title of clinical psychologist are allowed to apply for the vast majority of positions; if counselling or educational psychologists are excluded from being appointed; if such a practice would be compatible with international best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5877/14]

Colm Keaveney

Question:

192. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health the number of counselling psychologists that have successfully completed Health Service Executive interview processes since the start of 2011; the number that have been placed on employment panels that are still active; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5878/14]

Colm Keaveney

Question:

193. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive has contacted postgraduate clinical psychology training programmes in the UK to invite applications for HSE posts rather than make use of psychologists who have trained here, have been successful at interview and remain on HSE employment panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5879/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 to 193, inclusive, together.

As the Health Service Executive has responsibility for the recruitment practices used to fill psychologist posts, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the Executive for direct reply. I have also requested that the Executive respond directly in relation to the numbers who have successfully completed interview processes and have been placed on employment panels that are still active.

Nursing Home Accommodation

Questions (194, 195, 201)

Gerry Adams

Question:

194. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will set out the programme of work planned for St. Joseph's nursing home, Ardee, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5880/14]

Gerry Adams

Question:

195. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will set out the costs relating to each phase of the programme of work at St. Joseph’s nursing home, Ardee, County Louth. [5881/14]

Gerry Adams

Question:

201. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the future plans that exist for the development of the St. Joseph's nursing home site in Ardee, County Louth. [5887/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 194, 195 and 201 together.

As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Nursing Home Services

Questions (196)

Gerry Adams

Question:

196. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the current staffing levels at St. Joseph's Nursing Home in Ardee, County Louth. [5882/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The detailed information sought by the Deputy in relation to health service staff is a matter for the HSE and, accordingly, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.