If the HSE treated the graduating Irish doctors with some respect including proper training, pay and humane working hours then there would not be this mass exodus of trained Irish graduates.
This problem is entirely due to the HSE, and partially due to the incompetence of the IMO union to ensue any sort of reasonable working conditions for it’s members.
The HSE are reaping what they sowed. The Irish junior docs were treated like shite, they’ve all left for oz and the US, and now the HSE have to pay premium to keep the show on the road.
Typical HSE management.

More value for money from the HSE! if ever there was an example of mis-management then it’s the HSE. They couldn’t run a tap!

If the 300 consultants were employed as consultants, how many of them would be prepared to work evenings, nights, weekends, public holidays & lots of overtime?
Not enough to cover the 24/7 cover that is needed, so the junior medical staff would still have to fill the gaps.

Staff have babies and need maternity leave. Staff get long term serious illnesses and the shortfall has to be covered. In my business we have to pay extra staff when someone is out. Such is life!