Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Instinctively I do, but I want to allow the HSE to complete this work. Given that it is imminent - it is due to be completed next month - I want to be guided by it. The HSE is pursuing a range of initiatives to improve the recruitment process and support those who are not on the specialist register to pursue registration. As the Deputy was good enough to acknowledge in his opening contribution, there may be people involved who are well entitled and have the qualifications to be on the register but have not applied to be so. For example, those appointed properly prior to 2008 could be dealt with by deeming provision to be part of the definition of "consultant". We can reduce the number and address some of these cases through that.

I do not want to be lost in the debate the fact that, notwithstanding recruitment and retention challenges, the number of consultants working in the health service increased by 125 in the 12 months to the end of December 2018 and by 540 in the past five years.

I am happy to revert to the Deputy when I receive the report.

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