Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As it happens, I met Dr. Humphries and her associate on Monday or Tuesday. As the Deputy is aware, they have done five years' work on this. They have focused their work specifically on Australia but I fully agree that the matters are intrinsically linked. A root-and-branch reform of the non-consultant hospital doctor, NCHD, pathway is needed. The current pathway for NCHDs is not acceptable and we should not be surprised that too many of them elect to go to Australia, New Zealand or Canada. There is a whole piece of work we are doing with the Department and the HSE. I have met several groups of NCHDs. When I speak to them about the job, one of the first things they reference is the new contract. They want to know that when they finish what is a very tough training scheme, a new contract will be there. They are intrinsically linked. The Deputy can be assured that I and the Government are fully committed to getting this contract in place. A lot of informal work has been going on about the talks. The Deputy will appreciate the details of that are confidential. I fully accept the two issues are linked.

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