Seán Connick (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Question 206: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the moratorium on recruitment in the public service applies to hospital consultants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16378/09]

Seán Connick (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Question 207: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the moratorium on recruitment in the public service applies to a position (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16379/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 207 together.

The Government decided that, with effect from 27 March 2009 to end 2010, no post in the health sector, however arising, may be filled by recruitment, promotion, nor may the payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade be made. The employment control framework specifically exempts Medical Consultants from the moratorium. In line with the new contractual arrangements agreed with Medical Consultants and to provide for a consultant-led service, the number of hospital consultants will be increased but there will be compensatory savings by suppressing Non-Consultant Hospital Doctor posts. I have asked the Health Service Executive to examine the specific post referred to by the Deputy and to reply directly to him.