Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
497. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of medical doctors and former general practitioners who are employed either in the Department or by the HSE in policy, advisory or other internal administrative or human resources roles, but who do not see patients from the general public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49402/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere a currently 2 roles, Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Chief Medical officer in the Department of Health that require the holders to have a primary medical qualification and possess registration or be entitled to such registration on the Specialist Register of the Medical Council of Ireland in Public Health Medicine. At the present time there are 3 individuals employed in these roles in the Department of Health.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on the aspect of the Deputy's question that relates to their employees, however, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action.
It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible.
