Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

A very important principle arises here. Does the Minister accept that these 72 doctors, who are specialists with full consultant qualifications, should be upgraded to a consultant grade? That is a straightforward question. Is there any justification for continuing to treat them less favourably than their colleagues in all other specialties? Is it not an absolutely shocking comment on the very valuable work of public health doctors to tell them that the Government is not prepared to upgrade them to the level of their colleagues in other specialties? There is no justification for not doing that. There have been umpteen reports recommending that since 2002. This is the way to deal with the issue. Let us not get to a point where industrial action is threatened and possibly taken by public health consultants in the midst of a pandemic while the Minister is making up his mind on whether to do the right thing by these doctors. Will the Minister make that commitment and agree to provide the additional posts and support staff? It is the least those doctors can expect.

See this speech in context