Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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440. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the current vacant post of clinical psychologist within the Inspector of Mental Health Services; the date this post fell vacant; when it will be filled in order that the inspection team has the full complement of professional disciplines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32993/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The post of Assistant Inspector (Clinical Psychology) 0.4 WTE within the Office of the Inspector of Mental Health Services has been vacant since December, 2013 when the then post holder resigned from the position.

The Department of Health conveyed approval to the filling of this post on 25 October 2013, on the basis that it be filled through the redeployment panels operated by the Public Appointment Service. When this process yielded no suitable applicant, the Mental Health Commission sought approval to go to open competition to fill the vacancy.

In examining the proposed draft contract for the post a number of issues were raised which had to be addressed and which unfortunately delayed the sanctioning of the post. I am pleased to inform the Deputy, however, that these issues have now been resolved and the post has been approved. The Mental Health Commission has been advised accordingly, and I understand that arrangements are being made to advertise the post later this week.

It should be noted that, with effect from 18 February 2014, the commitment of two other part-time Assistant Inspectors was increased from 0.75 WTE to 0.95 WTE to address the temporary shortfall in staffing levels and to allow the Office of the Inspector to fulfil its statutory obligations.