Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his contribution this morning. I wish to raise a number of specific issues, particularly about the maternity and gynecological services. My understanding at the moment is that there is a substantial waiting list in Cork University Hospital for gynecological services. I understand that the HSE is aware of this. What action is proposed to deal with it? I think this issue has been raised but yet it appears that no progress has been made in reducing the list. What do we intend to do with this issue?

The second issue I wish to raise is the Portlaoise report regarding the maternity services in the midlands in which recommendations were made. What stage are we at in implementing those recommendations? I am a little bit concerned about reports. In terms of maternity services, back in 2003 there was something like slightly more than 100 medical consultants in obstetrics and gynaecology. It was suggested then that by 2011, we would have 180 such consultants. My understanding is that we now have 130 whole-time equivalents. The Minister spoke earlier about maternity services and when I see reports coming out, I wonder about implementation. We are now 13 years on from the report of 2003. The number of deliveries increased dramatically in the period from 2003 to 2010. It has reduced a bit since, but that does not mean we should now park employment in both gynecological and maternity services.

It is not just about consultants, but also is about nursing staff. The report on Portlaoise recommended the appointment of a director of midwifery - I believe that was the title used - in each of the 19 maternity units. What is the progress in that regard? I also understand that we may not have the people to meet the criteria that have been set out for that role before someone can be appointed. To how many of the 19 units has a director of midwifery been appointed? What progress has been made in filling the remaining positions? Will I be asking the same question again in 12 months' time? I am a little concerned about that.

I also wish to raise the issue of additional staff, particularly junior doctors and nursing staff. In 2015, we spent €225 million, almost a quarter of a billion euro, on agency staff.

Up to June of this year, we have spent €113 million. We will come out with the same figure for 2016. One reason for that is that the education grants for junior doctors were withdrawn. If some of that was reinstated we might be able to reduce the cost of agency staff. What are we doing to cut the agency budget and to give the funding to people who are making the commitment and want to get on with a career in nursing or as junior doctors? When will we see a reduction in the cost of agency staff and an increase in the allowances that are given to the junior doctors?

I have another question to put later. It is one I asked in October 2013 and three years later I am getting the same answer. That is not good enough. I do not want to be asking the same question on these issues-----