Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I accept Mr. Doran's point about the cuts in salaries across the public sector. There have been cuts of 40% to 45%. I compared the public sector with the private sector and increments continued to be paid after the cuts were implemented, with which I have no problem. However, there is a contracting budget. In fairness to the health service, nurses, junior doctors and consultants have made significant compromises in an attempt to maintain the same level of service. The best example is the maternity care service in which the number of deliveries has risen from 55,000 to 75,000 a year, without a great increase in staffing levels. We also have one of the lowest perinatal mortality rates in Europe. The service continues to be provided, which is not in question. However, how can we move forward, taking into account all of the difficulties encountered? I asked the HSE to supply the number of junior doctors with contracts of six months, 12 months and two years, but it was unable to supply the information. The system has been in place for 25 years and we have done nothing to change it.