John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegates for coming. If they were observing on the monitor, they may notice that some of the questions are being repeated. My first question to the last group was related to recruitment. Does each of the groups represented have a group recruitment policy, whereby it can recruit and then send the expert in whatever discipline to the area in which the need is greatest?

I might be specific about the Cork and Kerry group as it is the area I know best. Does each individual department have a common governance structure? For example, for cardiology, geriatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, is there a common governance structure across each of the hospitals in order that they can integrate and share information? If there is a shortage in one area, can it then be dealt with through the group structure? I regard the need to share expertise as critical for any group to work efficiently, particularly the grade 4 hospitals in Cork and Waterford and grade 3 hospitals elsewhere.

The IT question keeps coming up. What progress has been made in having shared IT across each of the hospital groups? Is this an issue for all of them? It is critical in order to progress services.

I have a specific question for Mr. O'Callaghan. It is very hard to justify University Hospital Kerry, a grade 3 hospital, not having a stroke unit. How can this issue be resolved? It might relate back to my previous questions.