Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 316: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of vacant positions in respect of various categories of health works with particular reference to public health nurses, social workers, child psychologists in the various health boards throughout the country; her plans to address shortages in this area at an early date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35684/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Employment information for the health service is collected through the health services personnel census on a quarterly basis and the latest available verified data is in respect of end of June 2005, when employment levels stood at 100,934 personnel in whole-time equivalent terms. The census collects data in respect of actual employment and does not include information on vacancies.

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 responsibility for the health service staffing. Accordingly, my Department has requested the national director of human resources to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.