Let me move on to a totally different issue, namely consultants. The number of consultants has increased from approximately 2,100 to more than 3,100 since 2009. Can we get current figures? Various figures are being bandied about and we have do not have accurate figures. How many consultants are in permanent pensionable posts, how many are locums and how many are working in an agency capacity? Can we have a breakdown of those numbers? It is important to know the numbers. There is a great deal of information in circulation and it is very hard to understand who has the real figures. I am looking for clarification. I fully accept that more posts have been created but we have not got clarification on the numberin situ who are permanent and pensionable.

The second issue I wish to raise regarding consultants, which I have raised previously, is the lack of planning for consultant retirement.

With regard to colposcopy and obstetrics and gynaecology, there is quite a large number to retire over the next three to four years. What amount of planning is occurring? I am sure the retirements are happening in other areas also. Planning does not appear to be occurring. Posts seem to be advertised once a person is retired and, therefore, locums have to be brought in to fill the post.

I received telephone calls from three different hospitals about people who are advised to meet Mr. Reid but who do not raise any concerns about any issues in their hospital because they want to give a good impression of what is happening there. Staff are actually being advised not to raise concerns. Is the feedback staff have about very genuine concerns not being fed back directly to Dr. Henry? I have heard staff from three different hospitals raise this issue. The only ones who seem to be raising genuine concerns are staff who are about to retire and who feel they are not going to lose out by doing so. There has to be a different approach to ensuring the HSE is getting a true account of the difficulties staff are facing in particular hospitals. The matter needs to be approached in a different way. I have heard reports on this matter from three hospitals in different parts of the country. I am raising this because I believe it is true and accurate.