Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 309: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when she expects the specialist consultants with expertise in adult and in paediatric cystic fibrosis to be appointed for the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15641/09]

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 319: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the physiotherapist required by paediatric cystic fibrosis patients in Limerick Regional Hospital, who has been replaced since 2007, has been recruited. [15702/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 309 and 319 together.

In order to implement savings measures on public service numbers, the Government has decided that, with effect from 27 March 2009 to end 2010, no post in the public sector, however arising, may be filled by recruitment, promotion, or the payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade. The decision also applies to temporary appointments on a fixed-term basis and to the renewal of such contracts.

Arrangements have been put in place for the health sector that aim to ensure that key services are maintained insofar as possible and there will be flexibility in relation to the filling of key frontline posts for the following grades; Hospital Consultants, Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Clinical Psychologist, Behavioural Therapist, Counsellor, Social workers and Emergency Medical Technicians to allow for the continued development of integrated health care, particularly primary and community care, care of the elderly and people with disabilities.

The way in which the Government decision will be applied is a matter for the Health Service Executive. My Department has asked the HSE to reply to the Deputies in relation to the specific issues raised.