Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I do not believe anybody was removed. An appointment was made. Locums were in place. I did not speak to Mr. Naughten about this although I met him in September at the opening of the hospital which I believe Deputy Enright attended when he was supportive of the new centres of excellence even though Portlaoise lost out.

The complaint was that the service was being run with locums. A radiologist was subsequently appointed. I acknowledge the radiologist was one of the locums but the person was not appointed by me or by a political process. The person was appointed by the Public Appointments Commission under rules laid down by Comhairle na nOispidéal.

The new medical council legislation strengthens the role of the Medical Council with regard to specialist registrars and competence assurance. When the Act becomes effective doctors must fulfil competence assurance measures to remain as a specialist registrar. It will be a reassurance to patients when it is fully operational.

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