asked the Minister for Health if he will state in respect of (1) Dublin Corporation health services; (2) Galway Health Authority and (3) Cork City Health Authority, (a) the number of established posts at present filled by temporary appointments and (b) in each case the longest period during which a post has been so filled and the post in question.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Service Appointments.
On the basis of the information available in my Department and obtained from the local authorities concerned, the number of established posts at present filled by temporary appointments in respect of (1) Dublin Corporation health services is 109; (2) Galway Health Authority is "nil" and (3) Cork City Health Authority is "nil." The longest period during which a post has been so filled in the case of the Dublin Corporation is since the 10th May, 1948, and the post in question is that of inquiry officer.
The figure of 109 which I have just mentioned includes 79 posts in the basic grade of nurse. It is expected that most of these posts will be filled on a permanent basis in the near future following recent competitions. A number of the non-nursing posts are filled by permanent officers temporarily promoted pending the receipt of recommendations from the Local Appointments Commissioners or the result of competitions held or about to be held.