Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

One of the reviews is complete, as I said, and two others are nearing completion. I am just as anxious that these would be expedited. With regard to independent reviews I believe it is important to first of all have the internal review completed under the systems that apply. If an independent outside external review is then necessary, that can happen.

By the end of March 2016 overall health service employee numbers had increased by 5,856 over last year, an extra 1,300 in the first quarter of 2016 alone, and most of those are front-line positions. During the last 15 month period the numbers employed in acute hospitals increased by about 3,500 wholetime equivalents which represents a 7% increase in the workforce. Deputies are aware that the expenditure in the area of health is over €13 billion at the moment. Numbers in the medical dental category increased by almost 600 wholetime equivalents, or 6.5% during that period and nursing figures rose by 1,700. Yes there are shortages in areas like emergency medicine, anaesthesia and psychiatry but these are not specific to the Irish health system. Alternative marketing strategies are being developed by the HSE for these hard to fill posts to encourage people to take up employment. There has been a significant increase in the number of consultants working in the public health service. Since the establishment of the HSE the numbers have increased by over 850 to 2,761. This is a matter of considerable focus by the Minister.

A mediator has been appointed to look at the question of a difference of opinion between the National Maternity Hospital Holles Street and St Vincent's Hospital. Money is in place, planning permission is in place and rows like this should not impede the provision of proper, high standard, quality care for mothers using maternity services.

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