Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to follow up on a question put by Deputy Kelleher relating to approved posts filled on a temporary basis. There are ten approved posts in obstetrics-gynaecology which are occupied on a temporary basis. A report produced in 2003 set a target of 180 consultants in this area by 2012. I understand the number was 130 at the last count. At that time we spoke about increasing the number by ten per year thereafter. I am aware that four vacancies were advertised recently. There were three applicants for the four vacancies. I understand that one of the applicants was already in an existing permanent post so in real terms there were only two applicants for the four vacancies. Are we facing difficulty in obstetrics-gynaecology with sourcing people for permanent posts?

Are we looking at how we can deal with this issue? It is an area that will face major challenges in the next few years. Is there a long-term plan to deal with it?