Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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56. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to increase the number of consultant psychiatrists, who are urgently needed for the support of young persons in this State; the measures in place for tackling the shortage; and if there are alternative plans to provide those in need with some method of support in the absence of a consultant psychiatrist. [7771/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I expect the new pay scales for new entrant consultants agreed between Management and the IMO at the LRC on 7th January 2015 will help us to keep more of our medical graduates at home and persuade consultants who are working overseas to return to Ireland. I want this new package to send a strong message to Irish medical graduates that pay and also working conditions are improving again and that they can be part of the health recovery in Ireland. The recruitment of additional consultants is a priority and arrangements are in train to recruit consultants. A joint HSE/Public Service Appointment project team has been appointed to progress the recruitment process for consultants.

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on the specific details sought. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.