Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of employees in her Department for the years 1996-1997, 1997-1998, 19999-2000, 2001-2002, 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005, 2005-2006 with specific reference to the reduction in whole time equivalents in the Department and identify the corresponding increase in the Health Service Executive since its establishment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30199/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The whole time equivalent numbers employed in the Department of Health and Children based on the figures given to the Department of Finance CENSIS Section for the specified years are outlined below. These figures include staff employed in:

the Department of Health and Children (including the recently expanded Office of the Minister for Children)

the General Register Office

The Adoption Board

the Social Services Inspectorate

the Office of the Ombudsman for Children.

Arising from the Health Reform Programme and the establishment of the HSE some functions previously carried out by my Department have transferred or are in the process of being transferred to the HSE. This will involve a reduction of approximately 38 posts in my Department's complement of posts and a transfer of these posts to the HSE.

The initial transfer of functions to the HSE involving areas such as pensions policy, case mix and speciality costing, health promotion and hospital planning is proceeding. This matter will also be kept under constant review with a view to identifying other areas of work which are appropriate for transfer.