James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

As a doctor and as Minister I fail to see how patient safety is improved by taking industrial action. In my view that endangers the very patients we are seeking to protect. I accept the right of the INMO to highlight the situation but it must acknowledge we are acutely aware of the situation. The special delivery unit was down there last week, I have its report and I am studying its recommendations before I pass it on to the HSE for implementation.

This action is unsafe, unsound and unwarranted. I have asked the Department to contact the HSE with a view to contacting the Croke Park agreement implementation body because I believe this is ultra vires and outside the agreement.

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