Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 438: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans in relation to the Hanly report; if same will be implemented; if same will be withdrawn; the reason for the decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2155/06]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 458: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the recommendations in the report on the national task force on medical staffing, referring to the former mid-western health board region, are to be implemented by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2327/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 438 and 458 together.

The report of the national task force on medical staffing, the Hanly report, made a series of important recommendations about the development of hospital services. These covered issues such as the changes needed in non-consultant hospital doctors' 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. Negotiations on a new contract for consultants have begun. 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 considering a report from the medical education and training group on 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 Fottrel 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.