James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

The Minister stated she will shrink the number of junior hospital doctors and the 2:1 ratio will result in more doctors at consultant level. The average working week of a consultant is between 33 and 38 hours while the average working week of a junior hospital doctor is almost 100 hours. If she takes them out of the system, how will she replace the hours? That does not stack up.

It is three years since the working group began its work but its report has not been published. When will it be published? She is the Minister and she must take responsibility. She cannot continually point to the HSE. How many posts will be filled? When will they be advertised? When will they be filled? Her non-answer that the recruitment process is ongoing is the same as saying Christmas is coming but which year?

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