Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her Department continues to require its approval for senior administrative posts in the Health Service Executive; the number of such posts approved in 2007; the number to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2708/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Under the terms of the Employment Control Framework introduced in December 2006, the HSE is required to obtain the prior approval of my Department and the Department of Finance for the filling of posts at Grade VIII and above. The number of posts approved in 2007 was 18 and this year the figure so far is 4.

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to Circular 01/2008 of the Health Service Executive and the concern this circular is causing due to the restrictions it places on the filling of vacancies in the health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2726/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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It is very important that measures are in place in 2008 to avoid a repetition of the budgetary difficulties encountered by the HSE in 2007. In my letter to the Chairman of the HSE approving the 2008 National Service Plan, I have emphasised that the evident links between the Voted allocation, approved employment levels and service activity — within the HSE itself and in HSE funded agencies such as the major voluntary hospitals — need to be planned and actively managed from the very start of the year with appropriate action being taken in the event of any divergence from profile. In this regard, I understand that, under the Circular 01/2008, Area Employment Monitoring Groups have been established in each of the 4 administrative areas to ensure that monthly reports in respect of new or replacement staff being entered onto the payroll are rigorously assessed to determine whether any remedial action is necessary to ensure services are operated fully within budget. I understand that essential posts in front-line services would be prioritised in this process.

It is only through the integrated and managed approach as set out in Circular 01/2008 that the HSE will be able to ensure that resources for services (including staffing) are directed as intended by Government.