Written answers

Tuesday, 11 June 2013

Department of Health

Health Services Staff Recruitment

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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992. To ask the Minister for Health the number of posts that have been filled in child and adolescent mental health services from January 2013 to date; and the number of further posts which will be filled during the remainder of this year [27488/13]

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The basic approach to delivery of mental health services to children and adolescents revolves around Community Mental Health Teams. In this regard, 150 additional posts were allocated to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Teams in 2012, and a further 80 posts have been identified for allocation to this specific service area in 2013, arising from targeted Government investment of €35 million for each of these respective years.

As of 29 April last, 100 of the designated 150 WTE posts for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services were filled (20 successful candidates had taken up their positions prior to the end of December 2012); a further 10 candidates had accepted a post and start dates had been agreed.

The National Recruitment Service (NRS) of the HSE creates national panels in anticipation of vacancies. On occasion, however, it is difficult to fill some posts due to various reasons, such as geographical location or shortage of suitable candidates at certain times for some grades such as Clinical Psychologists. However, given the policy and service requirements identified, the NRS is currently working to ensure that remaining posts will be filled as soon as possible, subject to qualified candidates being available.

In relation to the additional funding and posts available for mental health services in 2013, each of the four HSE regions were asked to submit a business case against each of the identified objectives detailing how the additional funding is to be spent and the type and number of WTE to be recruited. Approval has issued to three of the Regions, HSE Dublin North East, HSE South and HSE West and it is expected that approval will issue to the remaining HSE Region shortly to enable recruitment to commence. I have received assurances from the HSE that the recruitment process for the new posts being funded in 2013, and any outstanding posts from those approved in 2012, is being given priority within the HSE.

I wish to re-iterate this Government's strong commitment to enhance this year in practical terms mental health services for children and adolescents and I will continue to closely monitor the position over the remainder of 2013.

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