Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be as brief as I possibly can. I did answer the question in detail and I explained to the Deputy all that has been done. The high level working groups have tried to address this and any concerns the Deputy has and deal with the process.

We recognise that there are approximately 300 consultant posts that are difficult to fill due to geographical location or the nature of the speciality. Many consultants trained in Ireland are much sought after in other English-speaking countries. Some of the posts are filled on a locum or temporary contract basis. In a small number of cases, some people filling the posts are entitled to contracts of indefinite duration. As I said, that can be an issue. Where a highly specialised skill is required, a person who is not capable of doing the job would not be offered the consultant post. I want to be clear about that. The Deputy is asking me whether what he describes is common practice. All I can say to him is that in order to ensure senior medical coverage and the provision of safe, quality care, the HSE has stated that what was described occurs only as a final option in emergency circumstances. That is what we are trying to achieve. When I quoted figures on consultants it was just to remind the Deputy that in times of plenty there were 800 fewer consultants.

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