Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes. One of the issues that has arisen with regard to health care is the lack of financial management in the HSE. In fact, as few as 10% of the people involved in financial management have a qualification in financial management. We took over that system from the previous Government which allowed the situation whereby people with no expertise were appointed to positions. I ask that the Minister would now deal with this issue as quickly as possible. Another issue is that of junior doctors and I have raised it many times in the House. Junior doctors are only offered six month and 12 month contracts. This is causing a problem because they can get contracts lasting three to five years in other countries. I want that issue to be tackled before 1 January 2013 in order that contracts will be of at least two, if not three and four years duration. The Minister should come to the House to explain that the HSE will implement policies such as the employment of personnel with financial expertise and longer term contracts to those whom we need to work in the health care sector.