Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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412. To ask the Minister for Health the number of consultant doctor vacancies here; the actions he is taking to fill these vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43521/18]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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413. To ask the Minister for Health the actions he is taking to attract and retain medical consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43522/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 412 and 413 together.

The Public Sector Pay Commission in its Report published on 4 September 2018 addressed consultant vacancies and identified difficulties in attracting applications for many posts at present. It acknowledged that the pay rates for new entrants had been highlighted as a factor in this and recognised that the implementation of the settlement of the 2008 Consultant Contract claim, while necessary of itself, would serve to highlight further the differential in pay between the pre-existing cadre of consultants and new entrants. It also stated that the proposed incremental measures for new entrants across the public service, including consultants, that have now been confirmed, would not be sufficient to address the differential.

In terms of the number of consultant vacancies, the Pay Commission noted that at the end of 2017 the number of serving consultants at 2,971 (whole time equivalents) was 169 below the total Establishment figure of approved consultant posts of 3,140 and that it had been advised of approximately 400 posts either vacant or filled on a temporary or agency basis.

Given its analysis, the Pay Commission proposed that the Parties to the Public Service Stability Agreement jointly consider what further measures could be taken, over time, to address the pay differential between pre-existing consultants and new entrant consultants which has increased following the settlement of the 2008 Consultant Contract claim. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department have noted the Commission's views and consideration will need to be given to potential solutions which are in line with public sector pay policy and available budgets. This will be a significant challenge given the amounts involved.

The Government remains committed to increasing the consultant workforce. Notwithstanding recruitment and retention challenges, the number of consultants employed in the public health services has increased by 118 in the 12 months to end August 2018 and by 479 in the past five years to 3,032(whole time equivalent's). Where vacancies exist, the HSE endeavours to fill essential posts on a locum or temporary contract basis to support service delivery. The HSE is also committed to improving the recruitment process, offering contracts to the Hospital Group rather than individual sites and focusing on family friendly arrangements.