186 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of posts currently vacant, including those where therapists are on maternity leave, on the early intervention team in County Laois; the number of posts currently vacant, including those where therapists are on maternity leave, on the early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29293/10]

187 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of posts currently vacant, including those where therapists are on maternity leave, on post-early intervention teams in County Laois; the number of posts currently vacant, including those where therapists are on maternity leave, on post-early intervention teams in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29294/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 187 together.

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In this regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. With regard to vacancies for therapists, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to you.

188 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children her policy regarding the filling of posts vacant as a result of therapists including occupational, speech and language and physiotherapy services on leave including maternity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29295/10]

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In this regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. With regard to the filling of therapy posts, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to you.