Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)

I commend the Minister for his introduction of this legislation in such a speedy fashion. In addition, I acknowledge his tenacity and determination to introduce a system that is both workable and provides for consistency for the future when the need for junior doctors will be critical, as they will act as vital cogs in the remoulding, rebuilding and restructuring of a broken system. I acknowledge the efforts of the team from Letterkenny General Hospital who travelled to India within the last month as part of the recruitment strategy. I hope the hospital will meet the quota requirements in respect of the imminent allocation of junior doctors.

As for the designation of Letterkenny General Hospital with regard to private patient charges, this morning I forwarded some literature to the Minister. The designation of the hospital might be revisited as a way towards meeting shortfalls in the budget this year, when a deficit of €8.9 million is expected.

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