Dr. Colm Henry:

On the first question, there are approximately 307 locums. There is a mixture in that number. Included are short-term replacements, such as replacements for maternity or illness, and persons whose posts have been approved through the consultant appointment committee and are awaited. Others are more long term.

On the second question, there are two groups of consultants on the specialist register. One comprises approximately 40. This category pertains to the period before 2008, when there was not the same requirement for the appointment of a consultant.