Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I take the Senator's point that she has raised this matter with successive Ministers for Health in recent years. I also take her point about the deadlines being too late and I will bring that back to the Minister for Health. I acknowledge the Senator's disappointment and accept that if it is a question of drafting a relatively simple amendment, we should go ahead and do that. I will give Senator Bacik a commitment that I will highlight this particular issue with the Minister and my Government colleagues. I agree with the Senator that the question of poaching doctors is an ethical one that must be resolved but at the same time we need people to work in our health services who are well trained and qualified. I will bring all of the Senator's concerns to the attention of the Minister for Health.