Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2015
754. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health if the position of mental health inspector is vacant, including any temporary absence due to illness; the timeframe it has been vacant, or temporarily vacant; if vacant, when he anticipates it being filled again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21771/15]
View answerThe Inspector of Mental Health Services is appointed by the Mental Health Commission under Section 50 (2) of the Mental Health Act 2001. I understand that in September 2014, the Commission agreed with the then Inspector that he would take a paid sabbatical for the remainder of his term, up to 11th May, 2015. The Inspector post has been filled on an acting capacity by an Assistant Inspector (Consultant Psychiatrist) of the Mental Health Commission since September 2014, and has at no time been vacant.
In line with the current procedures in relation to the filling of senior staff vacancies, an application has been submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for approval to fill this post, and the Department of Health is following up on this as a matter of urgency. The Inspector post will be advertised as soon as that approval is received.
