James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 192: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the category of staff to be recruited with regard to the 34.5 WTE infection control staff that have to be recruited out of the 52 infection control staff announced in 2006; when this recruitment process will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4096/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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During the latter half of 2006, 52 posts were approved by the Health Service Executive to enhance infection control in the country's hospitals. These posts included Senior Pharmacists, Senior Infection Control Nurses and Surveillance Scientists. The recruitment process was initiated in September 2006 and to date a total of 34.5 WTE (whole-time equivalent) positions have been filled.

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the HSE under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the HSE has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.