Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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I too welcome the witnesses and I wish to acknowledge the honesty and integrity they bring to their presentation today. I welcome the comments made by Senator Crown and Deputy Mitchell O'Connor, who have direct experience of the situation. It seems we can defy every recommendation, rule and European directive in the book when it suits us. I am aware the HSE will be coming before the committee later and I hope to question it in this regard.

All over the country, including in my county, HIQA is looking at buildings and declaring them unfit for use, unsuitable and too old and Dickensian. However, there is no organisation such as HIQA in place to look after staff who are being abused, professional staff who have had top-class training and who want to and are giving their all, but who have to work under these kinds of conditions. When are we going to get it right? In the case of buildings, standards are being enforced and places are being closed, but there is no body looking after the well-being of our willing, able and hard working junior doctors who are forced to work under these conditions. This does not happen elsewhere. It does not happen in industry, in agriculture or anywhere else. In those areas health and safety rules are observed as are working time rules and employment regulations and legislation.

Why is this allowed go on by the Department of Health and the HSE? I fully support the witnesses and agree what they are being asked to do is outrageous. How can going the length of time they do without sleep not be a danger to both them and patients. No matter who we are, we cannot manage without rest.

It is farcical that this can continue, in spite of what HIQA is doing in both private nursing homes and public hospitals. It exposes huge disrespect for human beings, both patients and doctors.