Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Deputy’s comments on the great work the Children's hospital group and the NRH do. The reality is that we have an issue with consultant numbers. Earlier, we had a discussion about the problem with the shortage of doctors. That is a problem with which we are trying to deal. We have seen an improvement in recent months with the return of many people from abroad. I have seen this with speech and language and occupational therapy services. We still have an issue with staffing. We need more consultants.

The NRH remains committed to resuming its inpatient services as soon as the resolution to the current issues around the consultant paediatrician cover is found. The NRH and the HSE will continue to work closely to seek a solution to this matter. The Government recognises the excellent programme which the NRH delivers and its excellent patient outcomes. We have to deal with the issue of staffing on which we are strongly focused.

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