I propose to take Questions Nos. 551 to 553, inclusive, and 555 together.
My Department received approval from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in March 2014 to fill three new Deputy Chief Nursing Officer (DCNO) posts in the Department of Health by way of secondment of existing staff from the public health sector. This is to ensure that the appointment of new DCNOs in the Department of Health will not increase the overall number of people employed in the public health sector. Consequently, the posts were advertised to staff in the HSE and other Health Agencies only and not in the national press. It is proposed that the new DCNOs will transfer on existing terms and conditions from their current posts in the public health sector on a 3 year secondment basis.
I am satisfied that suitable candidates with the requisite qualifications are available in the public health sector and will be released to take up posts in my Department. I am confident that the new DCNOs will contribute positively to nursing policy covering both the public and private health sectors.