James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 42: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the number of posts that have been advertised at Beaumont Hospital for non-consultant hospital doctors; if she will provide an overall figure; if she can confirm that all these jobs have been advertised; if she can further confirm the number of appointments that have been made to date; if she will provide figures for 2009 and the number that would have been appointed at this stage last year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39553/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I am aware that at present there are difficulties in recruiting certain Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs). Typically, posts at Beaumont unfilled by schemes are advertised nationally and internationally by the hospital as required. In 2009 19 posts remained vacant after appointments were made through the schemes and all were advertised and filled. In 2010 23 posts were advertised and filled. The present position for 2011 is that of 26 such vacancies 10 are currently filled. The remaining 16 unfilled posts have been advertised nationally and internationally.

The Health Service Executive is currently developing a range of strategies and initiatives for the forthcoming NCHD rotations in January and July 2011 with a view to maximising recruitment. Measures in train include restructuring training rotations to ensure they're appropriately aligned with service requirements; development of a centralised recruitment process for service posts; introducing a single contact point for HSE agencies to obtain locum/temporary medical staff and also measures to progress the appointment of additional Consultants. It is important to note that the moratorium on public sector recruitment is not a factor in these NCHD vacancies.