Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 73: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the locations where she intends to recruit the 2,500 consultants she claims the health service needs; her timescale for employing these consultants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8333/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Implementation of the European working time directive will necessitate the following reductions in the working hours of all doctors: a maximum of 58 hours per week on average from 1 August 2004; a maximum of 56 hours per week on average from 1 August 2007; and a maximum of 48 hours per week on average from 1 August 2009. The national task force on medical staffing was charged with examining how this directive could be implemented without adversely affecting service delivery. Against the background of the required decrease in non-consultant hospital doctor, NCHD, working hours, the task force recommended the introduction of a consultant provided service and an increase in the number of consultants. It also made detailed recommendations on the number of consultants required in many specialties. The HSE, in consultation with my Department, will determine the location of these new consultant posts.