Limerick East): The data requested by the Deputy are not readily available in my Department. Each health agency is required to operate within an approved financial allocation and total employment ceiling. The assignment of staff for particular services is a matter for local management.
In relation to nurse staffing levels generally in the health service, the following table, based on information extracted from the annual Health Service Personnel Census, shows the growth in total nurse staffing levels arising from the implementation of Government approved health service initiatives between 1990 and 1993. It is anticipated that the December 1994 Census, currently being finalised will reflect further growth of approximately 700 nursing posts on foot of approved service developments during 1994.