Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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198. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to appoint an additional orthodontic consultant to Letterkenny General Hospital; is so, the reason for same in view of the large number of patients on the waiting list for orthodontic services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20619/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Government has decided that the numbers employed across the public service must be reduced in order to meet fiscal and budgetary targets. In order to mitigate the impact on frontline services of the reduction in employment numbers, the priority is to reform how health services are delivered in order to ensure a more productive and cost effective health system. The revised working arrangements provided for in the Haddington Road Agreement are a pivotal element in this regard. Subject to approval by senior managers, arrangements are in place in the HSE to allow the recruitment of staff where it has been established that there is an urgent service requirement. In addition, the HSE continues to fill a significant number of development posts in line with service priorities identified by Government.

The HSE has been asked to examine the specific queries raised by the Deputy concerning Letterkenny General Hospital and to reply to him as soon as possible.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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199. To ask the Minister for Health the number of orthodontic consultants employed in Letterkenny General Hospital; if there has been a change in that number over the past two years; if there has been a change, the reason for that change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20620/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.