Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
873. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to address two-tier pay and pay inequality issues for hospital consultants that had pay cut by up to 30% in austerity budgets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14176/22]
View answerI am aware that the differential in pay with consultants recruited prior to October 2012 is a significant issue for new-entrant consultants recruited since then.
The 30% differential introduced in 2012 was substantially reversed following engagement in 2015, particularly at the top of the relevant scales. However the differential increased in 2018 following the settlement of the High Court cases taken by pre-2012 consultants. At present, the difference at top of scale is approximately 11-15%, depending on contract type, though greater at entry points.
This matter is being considered as part of the ongoing Sláintecare consultant contract negotiations with the consultants' representative bodies. With that in mind, further public comment on this matter would not be appropriate at this time, save to say that specific consideration is being given to the issue within the current process.
