Vol. 505 No. 5
35 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of additional hospital consultants required to meet the growing demands; the other options, if any, considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13706/99]
Individual hospitals and health agencies keep their consultant requirements under regular review. These reviews are conducted against the background of strategic plans for health services in their areas and in the context of their priorities for the development of their services. In due course they make an application to my Department and to Comhairle na nOspidéal for approval of their proposals. The Deputy will be aware that the comhairle is the statutory body with responsibility for regulating the number and type of hospital consultants.
The number of hospital consultants has been growing steadily. In 1987 there were 1,095 consultants in the public hospital system. In 1999 there are 1,388. In 1998 an additional 61 consultants were appointed.
The manner in which hospitals are staffed is presently being examined by the medical manpower forum. The forum is looking at several options and I would prefer to await the outcome of its deliberations before making any further comment.
