83 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Health if he has received an application from the North Eastern Health Board for approval to fill a vacancy (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Proposals for the filling of new and replacement permanent posts are reviewed on a monthly basis by my Department. This review is undertaken having regard to service and personnel criteria in the context of the priority afforded to each post by the agency concerned and with particular regard to the availability of financial resources.

The post referred to by the Deputy is, I understand, currently filled on a temporary basis. This post was one of a number of posts included by the North Eastern Health Board in its latest manpower submission, which have recently been approved for filling by my Department.