The Irish Hospital Consultants Association says government inaction on the recruitment crisis is a disgrace.
They say Ireland now has the lowest number of consultants per head of population in Europe and urgent action is needed to address the mounting issues facing doctors and patients.
It follows details of an unpublished HSE report into consultant recruitment in today's Sunday Business Post, in which the health authority admits that it's "in crisis".
Consultant Pediatric Radiologist and spokesperson for the Association, Doctor Gabrielle Colleran, says the reports findings come as no surprise to those on the front line.
She says Ireland does not have enough doctors in permanent posts able to see patients in a timely fashion.
Dr.Colleran says the simple reality is that people are waiting too long as a result.
