Ivor Callely
Question:13 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the total number of paediatrician consultants in Ireland; the way in which this compares per child with our European counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions Written Answers. - Consultation Paediatrician Statistics.
Comhairle na n-Ospidéal has indicated to my Department that there are currently 81 consultant paediatricians in this country. The figure encompasses posts in the sub-specialities of paediatrics and neonatology.
The ratio of consultant paediatricians per thousand children aged 0-14 in Ireland is 0.06. Comparisons with other European countries are difficult because of the absence of a standard definition of a consultant or specialist. In addition, larger European countries may have a greater range of paediatric sub-specialisation making valid comparison even more difficult.
Ireland compares favourably with our nearest neighbours in the United Kingdom where it is easier to make comparisons due to the similarity of the structure of the medical profession. The relevant ratios are as follows:
|
Ireland |
0.06 |
|
England & Wales |
0.08 |
|
Scotland |
0.09 |
|
Northern Ireland |
0.05 |
The higher ratios in England, Wales and Scotland may be attributable in part to the fact that the complement of consultant paediatricians may not have fallen in line with the fall in the population in the 0-14 age group in those countries.