21 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of permanent consultant posts which remain vacant; the longest period such a post has been left unfilled; the steps he is taking to address this problem; the number of temporary consultant posts nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25602/01]

Responsibility for the filling of vacant consultant posts lies, in the first instance, with the relevant agency or hospital. I wish, however, to advise the Deputy that my Department is currently finalising improved procedures for processing applications for consultant posts once they have been received in my Department from the agencies.

I have received the following data from Comhairle na nOspidéal which sets out the situation with regard to approved consultant posts and which I am happy to provide to the Deputy. The number of permanent consultants posts has now passed the 1,600 barrier: As at 23 October 2001 there were 1,611 approved permanent consultant posts, of which 212 were approved vacant posts. Of these, 12 have been left unfilled in a permanent capacity for two years or more.

As at 23 October 2001, there were 260 approved temporary consultant posts nationally as follows: