Vol. 437 No. 2
165 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is no neuro-psychologist in Beaumont Hospital; whether the views of Comhairle na nOspidéal have been sought on the need for such an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The identification of staffing needs at Beaumont Hospital is a matter for the hospital in the first instance. Proposals for the filling of new and replacement permanent posts are reviewed on a monthly basis by my Department. This review is undertaken having regard to service and personnel criteria in the context of the priority afforded to each post by the agency concerned and with particular regard to the availability of financial resources.
Under existing personnel policy it is, therefore, the responsibility of each health agency to submit prioritised manpower proposals to my Department including details of service requirement and proposed funding arrangements. Proposals in respect of the post referred to by the Deputy have not been included by Beaumont Hospital in its most recent manpower submission to my Department. I understand, however, that the hospital have employed a temporary clinical psychologist in the context of its provision of a neurology service.
It should be noted that Comhairle na nOspidéal have statutory responsibility for approving all consultant posts. As the type of post referred to by the Deputy does not fall into this category, Comhairle na nOspidéal would have no involvement in approving such a post.
