Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:442 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of consultant posts waiting to be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7405/03]
Written Answers - Consultant Appointments.
The Comhairle na nOspideal report on consultant staffing indicates that on 1 January 2003, there were 260 approved posts at consultant level which are currently not filled on a permanent basis. Approximately 220 of these posts are in the process of being filled and are currently occupied by locum or temporary consultants pending the filling of the permanent posts. The number of approved consultant posts in the public health system currently stands at 1,731. This is well in excess of the number recommended by the Tierney report on consultant staffing which proposed a staffing complement of 1,500 by the year 2003.