Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I referred to the short, medium and long-term plan because I have been associated with the health services for generations at this stage.

It is only in recent times that we heard of the lack of capacity of physical buildings and, obviously, the follow-on in staff. It is only in recent years we were told there were too many beds. Yet, it was obvious to most of us that this was not the case. I welcome the change in the system and the change in emphasis as well as the need for extra capacity. It is obviously a matter for Government to provide that.

The other point I wanted to raise relates to attracting staff and making the health services an attractive place to work. Job satisfaction should be part of the entire system. Will the Irish Medical Organisation identify the issues most urgently needed? What is needed to restore morale and public confidence in the system as well as remove the inequalities within the system?