Kate O'Connell (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am trying to find out about the impact on patients. The State Claims Agency last year paid out €3 billion, which I believe is the figure reported to the Committee of Public Accounts, 90% of which was medical-based. Without using the phrase "dumbing down" but if there is a reduction in standards, is that having a subsequent impact on State claims?

Last week, the committee discussed with the HSE the issue of the 108 doctors who are not on the specialist register. How does the Medical Council feel about the 108 doctors working out there who essentially do not meet the highest standard they should be meeting?