James Breen (Clare, Independent)
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Question 71: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she supports the view of the Taoiseach that the Hanly report will not be implemented during the lifetime of this Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29159/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The report of the national task force on medical staffing or Hanly report made a series of important recommendations about the development of hospital services. These covered issues such as: the changes needed in NCHD work patterns; reform of medical education and training; the need for a significantly revised contract for medical consultants and an increase in the number of consultants; and the reorganisation of acute hospital services.

My Department is working closely with the HSE to build on, and progress, these recommendations. I am very pleased that the IMO and IHCA have now agreed to enter into negotiations on a new contract for consultants. It is important that a new contract be put in place as soon as possible. I also want the discussions which have been under way for some time now about the work patterns of NCHDs to be brought to a successful conclusion at an early date. I am currently considering a report from the medical education and training group in regard to postgraduate medical education and training. I hope to bring proposals in this regard to the Government soon in conjunction with my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, who is considering the recommendations of the Fottrell report.

These measures, combined with ongoing investment in acute hospital facilities, extra consultant posts and the organisation of services around hospital networks, are designed to provide patients with faster access to high quality consultant provided services.