Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join those who have rightly raised the issue of the "Prime Time Investigates" programme last night. It is quite shocking that we have figures such as those aired and that there are two sets of figures. The CEO of the HSE, Mr. Tony O'Brien, has many questions to answer in this regard. People want to hear more than statements of shock from us. The HSE is charged with delivering a health care service to the people. There are children with scoliosis who need timely intervention and surgery but it does not seem to matter.The list goes on and I know that the Minister has been deeply affected. However, we have seen this with Minister after Minister and need to get to the bottom of it. What is shocking and shameful needs to be pointed out. I support the suggestion that the Minister come back into the House. I raised a very important concern about how the health care groups were operating. I am reliably informed that, since they have been set up, there have been 122 new general manager grade A posts at St. Stephens Hospital central administration but that there are 120 consultant vacancies nationwide. We need front-line staff, but these new managers cost in excess of €100 million per year. What is going on? I raised this issue during statements on the health service and have not received any answer. I would like an answer because it is very peculiar that, with vacancies a problem in the health service, there is no problem in filling managerial posts centrally.