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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 11 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 5

Written Answers. - Consultant Appointments.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

121 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the ratio of consultants to population in the North Eastern Health Board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22189/99]

Comhairle na n-Ospidéal was established in 1970 to regulate the number and type of consultant and senior registrar appointments and to specify qualifications for these levels. In Comhairle na nOspidéal's report on consultant manpower for 1 January 1999 the North Eastern Health Board region has a consultant establishment – consultant posts filled, approved but vacant, unprocessed and under consideration – of 82. As outlined in its report this translates into a population of 3,728 per consultant.

I should also point out that, in general, it is not possible to make valid comparisons between regions and agencies based on staffing ratios. Even given similar populations, there can be significant differences in case complexity, patient profile, facilities-equipment, the range and complexity of services provided, socio-demographic factors and health and social requirements.

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