James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

The Minister announced the agreement on the contract, to great fanfare, a couple of months ago. What has happened in the interim? Why is the IHCA of the view that nothing meaningful has occurred? Is it possible that a new contract will not come into being in 2008 and that the HSE will not, therefore, employ any new consultants, thus avoiding the €300 million shortfall it faces in the context of funding? Many people are coming to the view that this is the strategy.

How many new consultant posts will be filled this year? I would like the Minister to provide a definite number in that regard. She may, if she so wishes, provide written information at a later date in respect of the nature of the specialties to which these new posts will apply.

See this speech in context