Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We are here because media reports suggested there are approximately 650 consultants not on the specialist register. Dr. Breslin has clarified that and Dr. Gilligan has also referred to it. Perhaps the witnesses could clarify the figures, because it is obvious that many of those doctors are not practising in Ireland even though they are on the register, hence the disparity. The HSE said in February of this year that 73 consultants were not on the specialist register. The Irish Hospital Consultants Association said there were 81 such consultants in October 2017. The figures have changed again and now stand at 127. Can the witnesses clarify the extent of the issue?