Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney.

The Midland Regional Hospital at Mullingar forms part of the Dublin-Midlands Hospital Group and provides an extensive range of acute services to the population of Dublin and the midlands, in particular Longford-Westmeath. The issue raised does not relate specifically to Longford/Westmeath General Hospital and the midlands area. This is a national decision that applies equally across the public sector. The numbers employed in the health sector have grown since 2005. The recent exceptional deterioration in the economy and the public finances has necessitated the taking of emergency budgetary measures and means that a more strict approach to employment control in the medium term must be taken in the public sector generally and in the health sector.

The Government has decided that, with effect from 27 March 2009 to the end of 2010, no post in the public sector, however arising, may be filled by recruitment or promotion; nor may an allowance be paid for the performance of duties at a higher grade. The decision also applies to temporary appointments on a fixed-term basis and the renewal of such contracts. However, in the case of the health service the arrangements have been modulated to ensure that key services are maintained insofar as possible and that there will be flexibility in the filling of certain posts.

The Department of Health and Children wrote to the HSE on Monday of this week advising them of the Government decision. In the wider context, it is important to note that there is provision for filling full-time consultant and therapy posts, subject to the approval of the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Finance. The Government is committed to protecting the quality of services and this mechanism will be of assistance in that regard.

See this speech in context