Paul McGrath
Question:118 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the provision which has been made in the current estimate for the consultants' pay increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3310/03]
Written Answers. - Hospital Doctors.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:344 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the provision which has been made in the current estimate for the consultants pay increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3345/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 344 together.
Preliminary talks on a revised contract for consultants have commenced. It is hoped that talks on the many substantive issues can be progressed without undue delay. Many of these issues involve improvements to the services provided for public patients which will require increased productivity, operational change, team working, flexibility etc. In accordance with a recent Labour Court recommendation any increase in consultants' salaries will only arise following successful negotiation of a new contract. The scale of any such increase will have to be determined by an appropriate body, at which point provision will need to be made for the funding required.