Limerick East): The information sought by the Deputy in relation to permanent appointments to new and replacement consultant posts and new non-consultant posts approved since 1 January 1995 is set out as follows in tabular form.
Current personnel policy for the health service provides that health agencies which are managing resources within allocation may fill non-consultant replacement posts without recourse to my Department. For this reason the information sought by the Deputy in relation to replacement non-consultant vacancies is not readily available in my Department. Agencies may also fill posts on a temporary basis in anticipation of formal approval for permanent appointments where there is agreement with my Department on particular service developments and their employment implications.
Tab A