Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 October 2019
29. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the ratio of consultant doctors per capita across the member states of the EU; his plans to improve the ratio of consultants to population here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41177/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table incorporating Eurostat data shows that the number of Specialist Medical Practitioners (consultant doctors) per 100,000 inhabitants In Ireland was 142.7 in 2017 compared with an EU average of 251.8. While it is acknowledged that the per capita position in Ireland is low compared with other EU Member States, Eurostat data covering other health professionals including General Practitioners and Generalist Medical Practitioners has also to be taken into account in making any direct comparison.
Nonetheless, the Government accepts that the ratio of consultant doctors per capita needs to be improved in Ireland and there has been ongoing improvement in recent years. The ratio in 2017 of 142.7 compares with 139.4 in 2016 and 127.8 in 2015. At the end of July 2019 there were 3,153 whole time equivalent consultants working in the public health services, the number having increased by 139 in the 12 months to the end of July 2019 and by over 600 in the past 5 years.
It is also recognised that there are significant difficulties in filling certain consultant posts, particularly in smaller hospitals, and in certain specialties, as identified by the Public Sector Pay Commission. The Government remains committed to a consultant delivered service and, to support achieving this objective, to engaging with the Consultants representative bodies in relation to new entrant consultants pay as recommended by the Pay Commission.
