Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 4

Written Answers. - Hospital Doctors.

Willie Penrose

Question:

71 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the career structure of hospital doctors and consultants; the proposals, if any, he has to reform this structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14251/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

A collaborative study group on medical manpower in acute hospitals comprising representatives of the Department of Health and Children, Comhairle na n-Ospidéal and the Postgraduate, Medical and Dental Board produced a discussion document on medical manpower in acute hospitals in March 1993 which was considered by a consultative conference in March 1996. The report concluded that there is a need to address many issues, including the career structure of hospital doctors.

I have put arrangements in place to address issues relating to medical manpower in the health services, which are designed to facilitate the development of a medical manpower policy relating to training, career structure and service delivery. The Forum on Medical Manpower, which I have established, includes members from the training colleges, the Postgraduate, Medical and Dental Board and representatives from the medical organisations. The first meeting of the forum was held on the 29 May 1998. I have asked that the forum complete its initial work by the end of this year.