Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I support Senator Finucane on this matter and the fundamental problems behind it need to be examined. There is a shortage of intensive care nurses and the Government claims we cannot produce enough of them. However, the reason for the shortage of nurses is because they go abroad where they are paid twice the salary they would receive in Ireland. The number of training places for intensive care nurses must be increased. Fees must also be waived on the basis that a commitment is given by those trained nurses to work in Ireland for seven years. This is done in many other areas.

This difficulty runs throughout the health system up to consultants. The shortage of consultants is caused by a shortage of doctors. This is because the majority of medical college entrants are women, of which 70% work for less than five years. I accept it is their choice but if I was in charge of training, I would ensure that the outcome took this into account. The shortage of therapists is due to the same factors. If the colleges cannot produce enough therapists, intake to courses should be increased to make it easier for people to train as speech therapists and physiotherapists. These management problems can be fixed. Solutions to these difficulties need to be addressed firmly rather than just talked about. I call for a debate on the matter with the new Minister for Health and Children to find an agreed solution.