Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I thank all the witnesses for attending this afternoon. The presentations of the previous witnesses and Ms McGuinness are chalk and cheese. One would swear we were talking about two completely different countries or two different topics. I do not know how to say this without saying something inappropriate but it is obvious that one presentation is not right. Both could not be right. A group of young doctors and their representatives told us that conditions are absolutely appalling and that there is absolutely no engagement with the employer. Obviously, there is engagement because some changes have been made over recent years. I appreciate that not as many changes have been made as the employer would wish. What is the nature of the gap that is causing a considerable difficulty with communications? Is it just standard industrial relations such that both sides are fighting their corner and not willing to give an inch? Could this be explained? How could circumstances be improved?

Given all the improvements that Ms McGuinness has just detailed, who is responsible for the person who earned €150,000 in overtime last year? How did this arise? How could any employer be happy with that scenario? As a potential patient, I query the position of the HSE, as employer, with regard to the very great concerns the doctors raised with us and mentioned in the media and on Twitter in recent weeks, not only with regard to their physical and mental well-being but also with regard to the patient they must treat at the end of a 24-hour, 48-hour or 72-hour shift? How concerned is the HSE about that as an employer and provider of services to the patient? What immediate plans will we see over the course of the next six to 12 months to alleviate the problem?