Health service salaries putting applicants off, says Minister

The health service cannot recruit top people because the salaries are so low, Health Minister Mary Harney said today.

The department has been unable to find a suitable applicant for the job of Chief Pharmacist.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny raised the issue during the Order of Business in the Dáil today.

Ms Harney said: “In relation to the Chief Pharmacist and other professions in the Department of Health, the fact is that the salaries that are paid don’t seem to attract many people on the outside.

“I think there are real issues there in relation to medical expertise.

“The outgoing Chief Pharmacist who has retired has made himself available on an advisory basis.”

On legislation, Ms Harney said that two Pharmacy Bills would be published in 2006, including one covering fitness to practice issues.