John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming in. He spoke about a slimmed-down version of the HSE. I would like to draw his attention to a document we all received a few weeks ago on the health executive structure. It refers to 24 different people, not including the staff of the seven hospital groups and nine community health care organisations. We were taken aback a little by the numbers. When we met Mr. Tony O'Brien early in our deliberations, we received a similar chart, which did not show half of this particular structure. I get the feeling that the HSE is moving in one direction. Perhaps it needs to be aware that this is happening. The Minister's thoughts are very much in line with those of the committee. This matter needs to be tackled before it gets out of hand. There are 24 people in positions, with contracts signed and so on.

Another issue concerning contracts has arisen on a few occasions. The general practitioner contract is of significant importance in making future progress. There is an issue concerning the negotiation of the general practitioner contract. The Irish Medical Organisation is on board and the National Association of General Practitioners is not. I do not remember the name of the third general practitioner group.