Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The short answer is "Yes". Many important elements have been agreed for this year, one of which is the very important framework for safe staffing for nurses, as referenced by Deputy Shortall. There were huge benefits on the pilot sites where it was done. I have told the HSE that the Government wants staffing and the increase in nursing levels to be done in line with the safe staffing framework. Based on the pilot projects, this will have a big effect.

Another element, one for which the Deputy deserves great credit, is the Sláintecare contract, which we are moving ahead with. As the Deputy and I have discussed in the committee previously, this will be the only game in town. It will be a public-only contract and will be for all new hires. My hope is that many existing consultants will also move across. I believe the Deputy and I share that understanding.

We have talked about the NCHDs and significant work is required to treat our NCHDs better. The IHCA and IMO have told me that some of the issues are contractual and some will be solved simply by hiring enough people. One of the problems is that when there are not enough consultants, and we do not have enough of them, they are, on an individual basis, simply under too much pressure.