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

Unfortunately, I do not get a great sense of urgency from the Minister. What we know about the new consultant contract sounds attractive and would be attractive to all of those many doctors who have left these shores. What they are looking for, first and foremost, is a proper work-life balance. They are looking for respect in their job, which, unfortunately, they have not had during their training period. They are looking for part-time work, especially for women. They are looking for that kind of flexibility. Most of all, they are looking for a system that works and serves patients and for which they do not have to apologise.

They want to be confident that the Government is serious about reform. The Minister needs to progress this very quickly. He needs to tackle the attitude within the HSE at the start of these talks, where there was talk of preventing doctors and consultants from advocating for their patients. There is a need for respect and a catch-up in respect for newly trained doctors because they have been treated so badly in the system that is there at the moment. There is a real urgency about this and the Minister needs to move on it because the health service cannot wait any longer.

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