Dr. Matthew Sadlier:

I thank Deputy Higgins for his support in respect of the issue relating to junior doctors or NCHDs. I have already spoken about that matter. At present, there is a definite drive within the junior doctor group of our organisation to come to a solution to this problem. As already stated, it is an ongoing industrial relations issue and there is a process in train in respect of it. I will not, therefore, say too much about it.

Regarding Deputy Higgins's other comments, we can certainly furnish him with copies of policy papers the IMO has produced - one on universal health coverage and the other entitled "The Market Model of Health Care - Caveat Emptor". In the latter, we highlight the difficulty with the market model of health care provision. Both papers contain numerous different recommendations regarding seeking to abolish the two-tier system of health care which obtains here.