James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the status of the 100 plus scheme; the number of approved posts under this scheme; the specialties allocated within this scheme; the location of these posts; the number of appointments made to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21507/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The "100 +" Scheme was introduced by the Health Service Executive to reward hospitals where the Emergency Department met performance targets.

Phase 1 of the Scheme was announced last year and involved the approval of 60 consultant posts across 24 hospitals. The additional consultants were approved across a range of specialties including emergency medicine, radiology, general medicine, general surgery and geriatric medicine.

The initiative is designed to improve the operation of emergency departments by increasing the number of senior decision makers. The initiative should also help to improve GP access to diagnostics and speed up the availability of diagnostic results.

The HSE's Service Plan for 2008 includes provision for the progression of applications in line with available development funding.

Last month the HSE recommenced the recruitment process for new consultants across a range of specialties. In excess of 120 posts in total have been advertised. This includes the 60 consultant posts approved in Phase 1 of the 100+ Initiative.

My Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to revert to the Deputy on the specific operational issues raised.