Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I do not want to delay things but I am sure everyone saw the "Prime Time" programme and the serious issues it raised. They are issues which for the most part will need to be dealt with in the Oireachtas through the health committee and on the floor of the Dáil and Seanad. I was struck by the issue of the spending of public money on consultant contracts. There was a suggestion that some consultants were not fulfilling the hours' requirements and yet were being paid from the public purse with public money.

That particular issue, as opposed to broader policy issues, ought to concern this committee. I do not need to rehearse for anyone how unacceptable it is if this is a widespread practice or a practice adopted by a small minority within the consultant community. I am not saying that this is the core reason for the failures of the health system but, given our stewardship, we need to consider and get to the bottom of this issue. It concerns the spending of public moneys and accountability at every level in that regard. We are in the midst of a busy programme of work, but I suggest that we carve out time for this. I emphasise that I am referring to this niche issue, not general issues. We are not equipped and do not have the scope, capacity or terms of reference to deal with the broader issues, but this issue falls squarely within our remit.