Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 3

Written Answers. - Southern Health Board Vacancies.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

161 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health when he will give his consent to the filling of the following posts in the Southern Health Board regions: (a) a second cardio thoracic surgeon (b) a second consultant cardiologist (c) an anaesthetist (d) a consultant orthopaedic surgeon (e) a new post in palliative medicine (f) a consultant urologist and (g) a consultant in accident and emergency.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

The regulation of the number and type or appointments of consultant medical staffs, including replacement appointments, is statutorily a matter for Comhairle na nOspidéal as provided by section 41 (1) of the Health Act, 1970 (No. 1 of 1970). Appointments of such staffs approved by Comhairle na nOspidéal are primarily a matter for the chief executive officer of the health board.

While I am aware that the Southern Health Board would consider making the additional appointments referred to by the Deputy at some future date, my Department are not aware of any specific request for approval to the creation and filling of the above mentioned posts being made by the Southern Health Board at this time.