Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have a question on long-term planning in respect of staff, particularly consultants, retiring from the HSE. My understanding is that much of the effort to recruit someone to replace a consultant starts only after that consultant has sent in notice that he or she is leaving three months or six months from that date. I have raised this issue on numerous occasions. If we look back to the former health boards, they always had a plan in place for replacing staff at least 12 months in advance. I understand that is no longer happening. It should be known from the date of birth of particular consultants and specialists that they will be retiring within 12 months, two years or whatever. There are no plans being put in place to find their replacements. Many of the smaller hospitals across the country are ending up with locums having to come in on a continual basis. What is the plan of action to deal with this issue?