Brian O'Shea
Question:77 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans for the implementation of the Medical Manpower Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19211/01]
Written Answers. - Medical Manpower Forum.
The Government has noted the recommendations of the Report of the Forum on Medical Manpower in relation to a consultant-delivered public hospital service and will consider these proposals again in the light of the results obtained from a costing study on the matter which is to be undertaken by a national task force on medical manpower, the establishment of which has been approved by the Government. The Government has also approved the commencement of negotiations with the relevant parties on core issues arising from the report, including flexibility/cover arrangements, teamworking, etc.
The Report of the Forum on Medical Manpower sets out proposals for the re-structuring of the medical workforce both in the context of changed work patterns and a consultant delivered service. The next stage is to quantify the costs, following which the Government will reconsider the proposals. A detailed quantification of the resource implications will now be undertaken. This assessment will form part of the functions of the national task force.