Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

My question relates to consultants who are not on the specialist register. Dr. Colleran described a scenario in some hospitals where we have gone over the 50% threshold of non-specialists plus locums. Will Dr. Colleran detail for us the potential impact of this? I am referring to the context of non-specialists who, because they have a lawful entitlement to a contract of indefinite duration, work and are paid as consultants but are not eligible to be entered on the specialist register.

The HSE has advised that there are no specific supervisory arrangements in place for this cohort of workers. Of course, how could there be? My reading is that precious little is being done to convert them or address the situation. Are the witnesses aware of any supervisory arrangements, specific or otherwise? There have been varying responses from the HSE. What is the impact on the ability to innovate and deliver a service of them not being on the specialist register? I am not suggesting that they are not working, since they are.