David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Okay. On a related issue, when I talk to hospital consultants, the two-tier nature of the pay is an issue and they want the contracts to reflect that reality. As, if not more important, is the support they get when in their jobs, including access to equipment such as diagnostic equipment and to theatre space. While we might have ambitious plans to increase the number of consultants, we also need to increase theatre space because that is part of the problem. We also have to increase access to equipment. They tell me part of their daily struggle in their work life involves battling the system to get access to theatre space and equipment. I argue that, while we are funding additional consultant posts, in tandem with that we should look at expanding theatre space and equipment so we get bang for buck and have an opportunity to put them to full use and reduce wait times.