Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

They were correctly appointed as consultants, but they missed the window to register at the time. That is the qualification. As I said, they have the necessary experience and training. There is a difficulty which, to be fair, is more than technical. They have to satisfy the Medical Council, but it is important to appreciate that these consultants are properly qualified. They hold their consultant posts having met the criteria that applied to them when they were advertised and filled. They acquired their posts having been deemed to be eligible to compete for them when their applications were assessed. They did not acquire their posts through contracts of indefinite duration. The provision has also been framed so as to ensure the council will be satisfied that the consultant concerned has the necessary training and experience to merit inclusion in the specialist division. Does that answer the Deputy’s question?