There is no embargo on recruitment imposed by my Department. The chief executive officer of each health board or authority is responsible for the management of the workforce in his or her region, including the appropriate staffing mix and the precise grades of staff employed, in line with service plan priorities, subject to overall employment levels remaining within the regional approved ceiling. Responsibility for staff recruitment rests in this instance with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.