Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Nobody wants to see patients on trolleys in hospital corridors, which is the reason the Minister established a task force to examine the issue. The problems in a few hospitals have always been worse than in others. The position in Letterkenny General Hospital has fluctuated during the years. The task force will consider the implications for Letterkenny General hospital and other hospitals. A new agreement was reached just two weeks ago in respect of consultants' pay. Of the 380 consultant post vacancies, 180 are being filled by agency and locum consultants. It is important that appointments be made to front-line services.

The Minister for Education and Skills will publish the value for money report on small schools when she has finalised her examination of it, which will not be for some time yet.

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