Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome our witnesses, and I apologise as I was bit late. I hope I do not repeat any questions. That is my biggest concern.

The opening statement talked about the impact that shortcomings in the healthcare system are having on consultants and non-consultant hospital doctors. The area I am particularly interested in hearing more on is the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress and burnout. I hope to hear a little bit more on the personal experience of being a consultant or an NCHD in Ireland and what that is like. I am very conscious of the commitment, the dedication, the years of training and the sacrifices made by those who enter the profession. I am very conscious of how long all of that takes.

It is really concerning to hear that 80% of doctors are at risk of burnout and 75% of NCHDs do not feel valued.

The Irish Medical Organisation does not provide clinical care to its members, and I would not expect it to, but I am wondering what support structures are in place, particularly around mental health services for those who are really struggling. What is the consensus within the profession in this regard? What is the work environment like? Is there an opportunity for people to sit and have lunch together? Just on a human level, how unhappy are people in the profession? I wonder what impact these issues might have on future entry into the profession. These are loaded questions but it is important to hear the human side of things and what the environment is like for people.