Donal Carey
Question:120 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children when he will publish the report of the manpower forum. [24511/00]
Written Answers. - Manpower Forum.
Bernard Allen
Question:456 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when the manpower forum report will be ready; and when he will publish it. [24077/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 456 together.
The medical manpower forum was established to address issues relating to the medical staffing of hospitals and has been endeavouring to reach a consensus on these issues. At this time the main service, training, research and career issues, and the principles and approaches to be adopted have to a large measure been agreed by the forum. It has also been agreed that the introduction of these changes should coincide with an extension of the core hospital working day. The issues on which agreement has yet to be reached are being addressed on a bilateral basis with some of the key groups represented on the forum. I am confident that the final meeting of the forum will be convened before the end of this month, after which its report will be published.