Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We inherited a system whereby in 2003 it was agreed that by 2012 there would be 3,600 consultants. In fact, when Fianna Fáil left office the number was short by 1,100. The Minister has to deal with the fallout from the system that was introduced to deal with junior doctors. More than 2,000 of the 4,900 junior doctors are only on six-month contracts. The Minister is providing necessary reform so that we can have stability in the service.