Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

186. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some speech and language services at Stewarts Hospital have been cut to the most vulnerable of residents, those with a learning disability, as a result of a speech and language therapist resigning their post for personal reasons; his views, notwithstanding the financial constraints of the State, that a new post should be advertised immediately to replace this professional as it does not breach the employment embargo; if he will confirm if it is the decision of the Stewarts Hospital Management Team not to replace this professional or have they been directed by his Department not to replace this professional; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53204/13]

Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

188. To ask the Minister for Health when the Health Service Executive expects to approve the funding to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of a speech and language therapist working for an organisation (details supplied) in, Palmerstown, Dublin 20, and which has resulted in the cutting of speech and language services for young children in the area who are badly in need of such treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53215/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 188 together.

As the Deputies will be aware, the Health Service Executive has operational responsibility for the delivery of health and personal social services within the ambit of its Vote (Vote 39). The level of health services to be delivered within the available funding has been set out in the HSE National Service Plan, which I approved in January.

The reduction in size of the public service has been an essential component of the approach to addressing the State’s fiscal difficulties. This has been combined with a firm focus on improving public service efficiency and effectiveness. The Haddington Road Agreement provides for some five million additional working hours annually.

These measures will enable the health service to continue to reduce overall numbers, while maintaining services and service levels to the greatest possible extent. The HSE can make staff appointments once it remains within its overall employment ceiling and has the financial resources to do so.

The particular issue raised by the Deputies is a service matter for the Health Service Executive. My Department has not issued any directive to the Stewards Hospital Management Team in relation to the filling of the post in question. I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputies.