1546. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) who applied for, was interviewed and was offered a senior sonographer position at Midlands Regional Hospital has now been told that their start date has been delayed due to the HSE recruitment freeze; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33381/19]

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.