Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for coming before the committee. Mr. Fitzgerald stated that he worked both in the public and private system but what are the different types of management that exist in the public and private systems? He referred to precision governance in the private system and accountability but will he expand on the issues? With regard to recruitment, he said he has little problem in completing the cohort of nurses and doctors. Will Mr. Fitzgerald explain how there is such a difference between the private and public when it comes to recruiting doctors and nurses? Will the witness speak about information technology within the private system, specifically how it works to increase efficiency? Many of our hospitals have theatres lying idle because of staff shortages and one consultant has said he can do four times as many procedures in a public hospital as he can in a private hospital. Will the witness explore why that might be the case?