Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Health the number of the 400 additional staff who were to be recruited to strengthen community mental health teams as part of the €35m package announced in Budget 2012 are now in position; when will they be in position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50088/12]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Of the 414 posts approved to implement the €35 million package of special measures for mental health 378 are with the National Recruitment Service of the HSE at various stages in the recruitment process, and over 200 of the posts have been accepted and the appointments are proceeding. Most start dates are expected to be in December to allow for the process of checking references, Garda clearance etc. I wish to assure the Deputy that this Government remains committed to engaging these professionals as soon as is feasible and the work of completing the process remains a priority.