Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I certainly would not want to suggest, or subscribe to a view, that the doctors being recruited are in any way deficient. I want to make it very clear that I would want to be supportive of every effort to give confidence to patients presenting at our hospital sites throughout the time of their respective service.

I note the Minister's undertaking, a word he used on two or three occasions in his response. I am a little concerned about the period of time. The Minister talked about six to eight months. If there are issues or difficulties, one would certainly not want them going on for that length of time which is more than one quarter or one third of the entire expected period of service. We are speaking of two-year contracts. I would like the report presented earlier than this.

I noted that the Minister indicated fortnightly assessments. The only little element not there, and it is not small at all, is the engagement with patients. I would be willing not to press my amendment if the Minister could give me some assurance that this is not only done in terms of a clinical oversight but that there is also an element of engagement with the patient's experience. That is very important. In our earlier discussion the Minister gave assurances in relation to language and communication skills. Patients cannot be left out of the loop in any assessment of what will unfold from next Monday.

I know a significant effort has been made to recruit the outstanding numbers to fill the vacant posts. However, there is a considerable way to go. I hope for success in that regard in the short time preceding Monday, 11 July. As a final assurance, will the Minister respond with a shorter timeframe and engagement with patients? I would be willing to accept his undertaking that he will report to the House, the committee and designated health spokespersons if this was done within a reasonable timeframe.

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