The number and regulation of consultant posts is a matter for Comhairle na nOspidéal in the first instance. The number of permanent consultant posts has grown rapidly in recent years – 175 since January 2000. There are now 1,615 permanent consultant posts in the public sector funded by my Department and approved by Comhairle. As many as 1,385 posts are currently filled in a permanent capacity and 30 posts have become vacant recently due to retirements-resignations.
There are 200 Comhairle approved, vacant, permanent consultant posts. The recruitment process being undertaken by the relevant employing authorities is at an advanced stage in respect of 130 of these posts. Approximately 50 new consultants are scheduled to commence duty in these posts in the new year.
Employing authorities have not yet advanced the recruitment process in respect of the remaining 70 posts, some of which have been created in recent months.
At the request of the employing authorities, which are the health boards and voluntary hospitals, 180 temporary posts have been created by Comhairle pending the filling of the approved permanent posts.
