Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 24 Feb 2000

Vol. 515 No. 2

Written Answers. - Consultant Appointments.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

80 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason 21 permanent consultant posts approved by Comhairle na n-Ospidéal and his Department over ten years ago have been left vacant by health boards and voluntary hospitals (details supplied); and the action, if any, he will take to ensure the approved consultant posts are filled without undue delay. [4881/00]

Alan Shatter

Ceist:

152 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason 21 permanent consultant posts approved by Comhairle na n-Ospidéal and his Department over ten years ago have been left vacant by health boards and voluntary hospitals (details supplied); and the action, if any, he will take to ensure the approved consultant posts are filled without undue delay. [5623/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 152 together.

Under the Health Act, 1970, regulation of the number and type of consultant appointments is the statutory responsibility of Comhairle na nOspidéal. I have been advised that comhairle, in exercise of its statutory functions, has identified 21 consultant posts which have been vacant for more than five years where the replacement process has not been initiated or completed by the relevant employing authorities. I am further advised that comhairle has contacted the employing authorities concerned seeking reasons for the delay in filling the posts in question and I understand that this matter will be considered further by Comhairle na nOspidéal in the light of submissions from the employing authorities concerned. My Department will consider this matter further in the light of the conclusions reached by Comhairle na nOspidéal following consideration of submissions from the relevant employing authorities.