asked the Minister for Health the total number of consultant psychiatrists in this country and the number employed by each of the health boards.

As the reply is in the form of a tabular statement, I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate it with the Official Report.

Following is the statement:

Number of Consultant Psychiatrists.

NOTE: The 74 consultant psychiatrists shown above as employed by the Health Boards are in permanent appointments. The total number of approved permanent posts of consultant is in fact 112, some of which are filled on a temporary capacity at present.

It is hoped to recruit four Senior Psychiatrists from a Local Appointments Commission competition held earlier this year. A competition for a further 20 posts has been advertised. Interviews for a further specialist post, under a separate competition recently advertised, will be held very shortly. A further three permanent posts are likely to be advertised shortly. All these are permanent posts.

Has the Minister indicated whether the particular consultants have higher qualifications?

I have given the number of consultant psychiatrists.