Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I can provide the Deputy with a detailed breakdown of the figures to the extent that I have them. The information gives a full breakdown of fixed term, part-time and full-time posts. Terms and conditions of employment are also important, as it is not all about money, and these are improving. For example, an NCHD working more than a 24-hour shift is now relatively unusual. The residence at St. James' Hospital where doctors on call used to sleep overnight was demolished a few weeks ago because doctors in that hospital no longer have to sleep overnight. Even though we are not yet in compliance with the working time directive, we are getting closer every year. Pay is important and it is particularly important in the case of consultants. I know the Deputy is a great believer in income equality and that everyone should earn the same. Certainly if his policies were implemented we would have no consultants in this country or very few. That is just one example of where income equality is not always in the public interest.

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