Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will approve the appointment of radiologists who have been recruited to complete the roll out of BreastCheck to the remaining counties Leitrim, Donegal and Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19848/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Government decided to introduce a recruitment moratorium across the public service, with effect from 27 March 2009 to end 2010. However, certain posts in the health sector may be filled, including medical consultants. The focus on these key grades is in line with existing Government policy on the prioritisation of certain development areas, for which significant funding has already been provided.

In recent weeks, the National Cancer Screening Service applied for a series of derogations to allow the recruitment of radiographers to extend the BreastCheck service to Donegal, Leitrim and Clare. This is in accordance with procedures put in place under the recruitment moratorium. Sanction has now been given for these posts in order to permit the appointment of these radiographers and to ensure that the roll-out of BreastCheck to these counties goes ahead as planned.