§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to increase the number of operating department practitioners in Northern Ireland. [121315]
§ Angela SmithThe recruitment of staff, including operating department practitioners, is a matter for individual Health and Social Services Trusts taking into account factors such as service needs and available resources. However, the Department has a role in ensuring that sufficient suitably qualified and trained staff, are available to meet the needs of the health and personal social services. The supply of support staff, such as operating department practitioners, will be addressed through the Department's work force planning mechanisms.