Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of hospital consultant post vacancies that currently exist in hospitals. It is my understanding, from the information I have received, that there are some 400 vacancies for consultant posts. As the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Bruton, will remember, in 2011-12 there was a cut in consultant salaries of up to 30%. That has not changed because it was a new form of contract that was offered. We are not, however, competing just in the Irish and UK markets anymore, but the world market. Ireland seems to have huge difficulties now in this regard. Some posts have been advertised and there have been no applicants at all. This is a cause for serious concern. Eight or nine years' ago there was, on average, at least six applicants for every consultant post advertised. This is now down to under two applicants per consultant post advertised. Ireland has waiting lists in hospitals and if we do not have the medical consultants with expertise to provide the care that people require, there is major concern that those waiting lists will continue to grow.What do we need to do in order to deal with this issue? Do we need to change the terms of the contracts that are being offered, and how do we do that? We need to enter into a consultation process regarding the best way forward, because unless these key people are there then our health service cannot progress and improve. It is extremely important that priority is given to this issue.