Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 132: To ask the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 140 of 29 April, 2010, the steps she is taking to secure non-consultant hospital doctor cover for smaller hospitals like Roscommon County Hospital and Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, County Galway from July 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19818/10]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 141 of 29 April 2010 if the discussions have reached a conclusion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19819/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together.

The Health Service Executive (HSE), which has responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement, is anticipating that there may be some difficulties in the filling of junior doctor posts in July when doctors begin their new rotation. Initial reports from the HSE indicate reductions in applications for posts, especially in emergency medicine, anaesthesia, general medicine and in smaller hospitals. A range of proposals to address the situation, if there is a significant increase in vacancies, are currently being worked on by the HSE. In relation to attracting doctors from outside the EEA, the Irish Medical Organisation has expressed concerns that the current visa and work permit obligations for non-EEA doctors may be hindering recruitment. The HSE is still in discussion with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation with a view to agreeing more flexible visa and employment permit arrangements for non-EEA NCHDs.