asked the Minister for Health to outline the discussions which he has had with the IMO in relation to the review of the common contract, which was due for review in 1986.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - IMO Common Contract.
39.
I recently had a meeting with the IMO to discuss a variety of matters including the review of the common contract. At this meeting I stressed that I was anxious that a review of the contract be undertaken in the near future. I am now waiting for a response from the organisation in this regard.
It seems obvious from the Minister's reply that the IMO are still refusing to renegotiate the common contract that was finalised by the Taoiseach, Deputy Haughey, in 1979. As the Minister has dealt ruthlessly with the lower paid workers in the health services in recent weeks, as figures have shown, I think he will agree he must force the IMO, if they still refuse, to renegotiate a contract that has beld the health services. I ask the Minister what views he has on the IMO's refusal to date to negotiate with him and with his Department on a contract that has given them a blank cheque to earn what they want out of the health services, that has resulted in——
A brief question please, Deputy.
——lengthy waiting lists and has turned the public health service into a second rate service. What does the Minister propose to do with regard to his colleagues in the IMO?
I do not accept I have dealt ruthlessly with the lower paid workers in the health service. The main problem in regard to the financing of the health services this year arises because of the overrun of over £55 million by the previous Government in the past two years. In regard to the common contract, as I pointed out to the Deputy, I met the Irish Medical Organisation to discuss a variety of matters including the review of the common contract. I stressed I was anxious that a review of the contract be undertaken in the near future and I am now awaiting a response from them.
Have the IMO given any view on the demand from the Minister that the consultants pay £1.5 million, a puny sum, in lieu of utilisation of hospital services? What is their up-to-date position on that? It is related to the common contract.
I raised that issue at the same meeting. I am also awaiting a response to the various issues we raised at that meeting.
They are still refusing to negotiate and to pay what they owe.