Dr. Donal O'Hanlon:

Comparing the numbers internationally, we are very poorly served by our number of consultants. We could compare the number to that in Scotland which has 60% more consultants. As it also has more beds, those consultants can work more efficiently. Going back to the Deputy's earlier question, there is a feeling of inertia and helplessness in that the Government is not really making any change in the health service, as far as I can see. There is much talk about what might happen ten years from now, but this is something that could be tackled relatively quickly and it would stabilise the system.