Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister's acknowledgement that we need to address some of the core issues here, including career path issues. Does the Minister accept that the virtual crisis situation with junior doctors has continued year after year? Does he agree that fundamental reform along the lines of what he indicated at the outset of his reply is long overdue? The elements of reform are well known and were set out in my question. Can the Minister tell us whether he is making progress with the new grades that are required, or with the necessary increase in the number of consultant posts? He referred to those who achieve the highest performance rates in the leaving certificate. What is he doing to open medical training to more of our young people and not just those from privileged backgrounds - I do not suggest that all medical students come from such backgrounds - or those who attain 600 points in the leaving certificate? I have seen the great disappointment of young people who have done exceptionally well in the leaving certificate but have been excluded from these requirements even though they have the necessary attributes to prove to be among the most caring and dedicated of doctors in the future.

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