Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We all know that the conditions in which many consultants work are unacceptable although it is not the same across the various hospitals. Those of us in the mid west know there is a particular issue in UHL that is incredibly bad in comparison with the position in Beaumont Hospital. The number of doctors per head of population in Beaumont versus UHL is a national scandal. Doctors in UHL are working in insane conditions.

We obviously need an influx of consultants. We also need to change their conditions, remuneration packages and numerous other things. I have always been of the belief that hospitals need to turn into seven-day working institutions. Have we any analysis as to how that would go down with doctors?