Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2004
216 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of vacancies by health board area, of nursing, therapy and allied medical professional posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30315/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraInformation on vacancy levels in the health service is not collected by my Department as a matter of routine. The Deputy may wish to note, however, that the Health Service Employers Agency undertakes quarterly surveys of nursing vacancies, the latest of which is for the period ending 30 June 2004. Employers reported in this survey that 771 vacancies existed, a decrease of 23% from 1,007 vacancies recorded a year previously in June 2003. A copy of the survey, which contains a breakdown by hospital, health board and voluntary agency, will be forwarded directly to the Deputy by my Department.
Responsibility for the management of the workforce, recruitment and the filling of vacancies in each region rests with the relevant health board or authority. My Department has therefore requested the chief executive officer of each health board and the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy on vacancies in therapy and allied health professional grades and to respond to her directly.
