5 DFómh 2011, 18:49
The issue of non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) will be discussed by the Committee on Health and Children at its meeting tomorrow, Thursday, 6th October at 11.30 am in Leinster House.
5th October 2011
The Committee will be briefed by Dr. James Reilly, TD, Minister for Health, the HSE Director of Human Resources, the President of the Medical Council and the Council’s CEO.
Chairman of the Committee on Health and Children, Jerry Buttimer said: \"Our meeting tomorrow is the first of three on this issue which has been identified as a priority for the Committee in its work programme. Earlier in the year there was widespread coverage of the shortage of NCHDs across the country, while the Minister instigated decisive action to recruit additional doctors we are now hearing of delays in the registration process. The Committee will be seeking explanations of any backlogs and we will want to hear proposals to overcome any delays in the administrative procedures whilst ensuring patient safety is the paramount consideration. Over the next three weeks the Committee plans on hearing the views of the Minister, the statutory bodies, and various groups representing the educators and medical practitioners involved in the area of NCHDs.
This series of meetings will also enable the Committee to discuss and examine associated topics such as:
- The filling of junior doctor vacancies in some hospitals
- European Commission warning to reduce working hours for junior doctors
- On-going training and education plans for our junior doctors
- Career path development to maximise the number of NCHDs remaining in the Irish health care system.\"
The Committee will meet at 11.30 am on Thursday, 6th October in Committee Room 2, Leinster House 2000.
Committee Proceedings can be followed live here
Ends
For further information please contact:
Cáit Hayes,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 3883
M: 087-9190300
F: +3531 618 4551
cait.hayes@oireachtas.ie
Committee Membership
Deputies
Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael
Catherine Byrne, Fine Gael
Michael Colreavy, Sinn Fein
Ciara Conway, Labour Party
Regina Doherty, Fine Gael
Robert Dowds, Labour Party
Peter Fitzpatrick, Fine Gael
Seamus Healy, Independent
Derek Keating, Fine Gael
Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fail
Eamonn Maloney, Labour Party
Charlie McConalogue, Fianna Fail
Mattie McGrath, Independent
Denis Naughten, Fine Gael
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, Sinn Fein
Senators
Colm Burke, Fine Gael
John Crown, Independent
David Cullinane, Sinn Fein
John Gilroy, Labour Party
Imelda Henry, Fine Gael
Marc Mac Sharry, Fianna Fail
Jillian Van Turnhout, Independent