Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Chairman is rushing me. It is not often I get a chance to ask questions with such a group of people in front of me.

I have a question for Mr. O'Brien on the more focused issue of consultants' pay and the need to fill a large number of vacant posts. I refer to the remuneration package in the context of attracting or retaining consultants compared to other countries. We are losing some consultants and not attracting others to return. How will this be addressed in the short term?

I refer to free GP care for under-sixes and over 70s and the intensive negotiations with the IMO, which is the GP representative body. The Minister said that not every GP is obliged to take up this contract. The National Association of General Practitioners represents approximately 1,200 GPs, which is quite a substantial number of doctors. Why is the HSE not engaging with an organisation that represents a large number of people who will be to the fore in implementing this policy by delivering the services?