James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, the way in which we have been treating our NCHDs - giving them six-month contracts - is anathema to me. It is wrong. We should be giving them two- or three-year contracts. This would allow much greater certainty for them and for their families, and we would have greater certainty as well. Second, we are trying to create a much clearer career path for NCHDs. Third, and most important, there is nothing else that exemplifies the need for hospital groups as much as the matter we are discussing here today. This hospital in Clonmel is not a small hospital. It is a model 3 hospital but, because of its location, it occasionally has difficulties in attracting staff. By being part of the hospital group of Cork and Waterford, South Tipperary General Hospital will have access to that greater pool. Even though these groups are only starting and the Government has passed its plan, we will seek to get the help from those hospitals which are South Tipperary General Hospital's natural allies to ensure that the people of Clonmel have the staff to deliver a safe service to all. That is critically important to me as Minister for Health.

See this speech in context