Written Answers Nos. 164-171
164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the reason young doctors, on qualification, find it more attractive to work abroad, thereby creating a shortage of junior hospital doctors; if arrangements can be made, or agreement entered into, to ensure an adequate supply of junior hospital doctors in this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15146/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recruitment and retention of doctors at all levels – from undergraduate to specialist - is critical to the effective functioning of the public health system. In this context, the implementation of the recommendations of the 2014 Strategic Review of Medical Training and Career Structure is a priority for me as Minister for Health.
The Strategic Review, chaired by Prof. Brian MacCraith, President, DCU, made 25 recommendations addressing a range of barriers and issues relating to the recruitment and retention of doctors in the Irish health system, including medical career opportunities, working conditions, and flexible working for trainees and specialists alike. The Review also addressed the need to improve career planning and enhance mentoring/training supports for trainee doctors.
I recently received the first progress report on the implementation of the recommendations, and am pleased to note that there has been a range of developments which will, I believe, help us recruit and retain doctors – including newly qualified doctors – in our health system.
On foot of the Strategic Review Group’s recommendations regarding consultant career structures, associated LRC proposals for increased pay for new Consultants were recently supported by IMO members and are being implemented by the HSE.
To support implementation of the recommendations of the Strategic Review Group, my Department has established a Monitoring Group, comprising key stakeholders including trainee doctors. This will help us drive implementation across the system and embed the recommendations in the day-to-day business practice of the health system.
165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which overcrowding at the accident and emergency department at Naas General Hospital in County Kildare has been alleviated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15147/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
166. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the remaining development phases of Naas General Hospital in County Kildare, with particular reference to the need to ensure early provision of the promised extra facilities; the extent to which extra bed accommodation might be identified and provided for in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15148/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the HSE is developing a substantial infrastructure project at Naas General Hospital which will deliver an endoscopy unit, an oncology unit and a physical medicine department which will include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. While some enabling works are required to the hospital infrastructure, (electrical distribution system, etc) it is expected that project construction could commence in the second half of 2015. This is a considerable infrastructure investment in Naas General Hospital.
There will always be more projects than can be funded by the Exchequer. Therefore any further investment in Naas General Hospital must be considered in the context of the establishment of hospital groups, within the overall acute hospital sector infrastructure programme and within the multi-annual capital envelope available to the health service. In 2015, there will be a structured integration of the hospitals in the Dublin Midlands Group which in addition to Naas General Hospital includes St James's Hospital, Tallaght Hospital, Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore, Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise and the Coombe. This will provide further support for all hospitals in delivering high-quality, safe patient care in a cost-effective manner.
There is limited funding available for new projects over the next multi-annual period 2015-2019 given the level of commitments and the costs to completion already in place. In addition, the HSE cannot exceed or plan to exceed its approved commitment thresholds. The HSE is concentrating on applying the limited funding available for capital works in the most effective way possible to meet residential need now and in the future.
167. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the number of nurses, junior doctors and consultants in various disciplines has fluctuated in the past eight years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15149/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on the matter. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
168. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the killing of the farmers' leader (details supplied) on 5 March 2015 in El Castillo, Meta, Colombia; his further views on the Colombian army's counter-insurgent campaign in the Meta region and the jailing of 39 farmers' leaders from the region, including the leader of the National Association of Peasant Reserve Zones (details supplied); if he will report on any discussions and representations made with the Colombian Government or its ambassador on these matters; his views that the human rights issues in Colombia will have implications for relations between Ireland and Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15036/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra169. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of actions taken against farmers and trade unionists by the Colombian armed forces, if his Department has discussed the human rights situation in Colombia with the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy or her officials, or if his Department has raised it at a European Council level; his views that it has implications for the free trade agreement between the European Union and Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15037/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra170. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the sugar cane cutters' strike in Risaralda, Colombia and the force used against those striking workers by military and police which resulted in serious injury to striking workers; if he will report on any discussions with and representations made to the Colombian Government or its ambassador on these matters; his views that the human rights issues in Colombia will have implications for relations between Ireland and Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15038/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra171. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on a land dispute between indigenous communities and a sugar cane landowner in the north of Cauca, Colombia, which saw the Colombian state forces intervene with tanks against the indigenous community, and has left over 50 wounded and two dead; if he will report on any discussions with and representations made to the Colombian Government or its ambassador on these matters; his views that the human rights issues in Colombia will have implications for relations between Ireland and Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15039/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 168 to 171, inclusive, together.
I am aware of the incidents referred to by the Deputy even if, as is often the case in these matters, it has not proved possible to establish the full facts in every instance. As the Deputy is aware, there are serious grounds for concern regarding the human rights situation in Colombia, including in the context of labour disputes, land rights, and the ongoing state of armed conflict in that country.
Our Embassy in Mexico City, which is accredited to Bogota on a non-residential basis, is in regular contact on human rights issues with the Colombian authorities, with civil society, and with the EU delegation there.
The promotion and protection of human rights is a core principle of Ireland's foreign policy and we have prioritised the protection of trade unionists, human rights defenders, and others who are in immediate danger. Ireland engages on human rights issues with the Colombian Government in our direct contacts with them, by means of the EU-Colombia Human Rights Dialogue, and through United Nations processes. Human rights are also an essential part of the EU Free Trade Agreement with Colombia and Peru which, in addition, contains important provisions in the area of labour rights and protection of the environment.
As the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Colombia has pointed out, an end to the longstanding armed conflict - now under negotiation between the government and the guerrillas in the context of the peace talks in Havana - has the potential to transform Colombia in terms of its level of respect for and enjoyment of human rights. In so far as the role of the Colombian Government is concerned, I continue to believe that our policy of engagement and dialogue is the best means for advancing human rights.
