Vol. 525 No. 2
147 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed in relation to the fact that a number of consultants who have not received official approval from Comhairle na nOspidéal are employed in a number of Dublin hospitals; the steps being taken to regularise the position of the personnel involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24534/00]
436 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of unregulated consultant posts in public hospitals; and the situation for each public hospital. [23855/00]
437 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the number of unregulated consultant posts in a number of Irish hospitals has given rise to concern in relation to possible legal implications and fears that this practice may block official appointments by open competition. [23856/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 147, 436 and 437 together.
I have been informed by Comhairle na nOspidéal that it is aware of a small number of hospitals having consultant appointments which have not been approved by Comhairle na nOspidéal in accordance with its functions under section 41(1)b of the Health Act, 1970. This matter is currently being investigated by Comhairle na nOspidéal. Comhairle has recently been in correspondence with the hospitals concerned to express its concern at the situation. Comhairle na nOspidéal has again outlined to these hospitals their obligation to satisfy themselves that all consultant posts currently filled are in fact posts regulated by it. Comhairle na nOspidéal has been requested to keep my Department fully informed of developments in this matter.
