Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I must correct Deputy Deenihan slightly — 47 is the established figure, as he rightly says, and we have 22 currently. Six are non-nationals, but of course they are properly qualified medical practitioners. Basically, in recent times we have considerably improved pay and conditions, in agreement with the Department of Finance, for people working in the medical corps of the Army. In addition, we have run a number of intensive recruitment campaigns, although unfortunately the results have been disappointing. Since 2000 some 15 doctors have left the Army, and we have only managed to recruit ten, so obviously our numbers are down.

As regards when the consultants will be appointed, the tender documents are being evaluated and I expect they will be in place within the next three weeks and told to get to work immediately. I understand, from speaking to various people that we expect to be in possession of the consultants' report before the end of the year. Deputy Deenihan asked whether they would engage with RACO, PDFORRA etc. I do not know whether the consultants will directly engage with those organisations, but certainly I shall publish the report and I shall engage with PDFORRA, RACO etc. as regards what the consultants say. If the consultants want to talk directly to RACO, PDFORRA etc., I have no objection whatsoever.

As regards Deputy Deenihan's financial question about the amount of expenditure on doctors we employ because we have not got the medical personnel ourselves, the point must be made that if we did we should have to pay them anyway. I do not have the figure to hand, but I will get it for the Deputy.

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