Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 66: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the process involved in deciding upon and appointing a hospital consultant; if she is satisfied that this slow system is appropriate at a time when there is a need rapidly to expand the number of consultants to deliver the proposed consultant led services; and her proposals for reforming this system. [11539/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department no longer has a role in the creation of consultant posts. Since the establishment of the Health Service Executive in January 2005, hospitals and other health agencies seeking consultant posts must apply directly to the National Hospitals Office or Comhairle na nOspidéal for approval of the post and related funding. Accordingly, my Department has asked the director of the National Hospitals Office to investigate the matters raised by the Deputy and to reply directly to him.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 67: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has received an assessment of gaps in the availability of consultant specialists in paediatric medicine; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is no paediatric immunologist here and that patients have to wait over six months to gain access to a specialist from the UK; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that there are only two paediatric gastro-entomologists; and her plans to fill these gaps in paediatric medicine. [11540/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes the provision of paediatric services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the director of the National Hospitals Office at the Health Service Executive to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.