The need to increase the numbers of consultants and other health professionals in the public health service is a priority for me against a backdrop of global shortages in health professionals and international competition for staff trained in Ireland.
The HSE has been focused on addressing issues associated with the creation and approval of consultant posts and successful recruitment. The Consultant Appointments Advisory Committee remains in place and is considered a necessary measure to manage consultant appointments. The HSE is also giving effect to the report 'Towards Successful Consultant Recruitment, Appointment and Retention', completed in December 2016. It is also focused on implementing the recommendations of the 'MacCraith Group' to support the recruitment and retention of NCHDs.
I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly on measures being taken to address specific recruitment issues in the CHO 1 region.