Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)

The Minister said agreement was reached in January. Why is the matter now being revised again and why is the Minister saying it may be the end of March before we reach an agreement? The Minister does not sound as confident as usual that this matter is settled. The negotiations started almost five years ago and the Minister announced a deal. Is the HSE stalling agreements and why would it do this and not appoint consultants? When will the consultants be appointed and by what process? Will there be a public advertisement and will they have to give notice where they are now? Will it be another year before they are appointed? What is the time scale for the appointment of the necessary consultants if this agreement is reached at the end of March?

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