Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 October 2012
218. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the amount of the €200 million in savings expected from the agreement reached with the hospital consultants will contribute towards bridging the deficit in the health budget this year; when he expects to see the savings from this agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42364/12]
View answer219. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the terms of the agreement made with consultants at the Labour Relations Commission; the aspects of the deal that have yet to be fully agreed; if he remains confident that these changes will begin from 1 October 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42365/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 219 together.
Intensive discussions between health service employers and the two consultant representative bodies commenced at the Labour Relations Commission on 13 September 2012 and concluded on 17 September 2012. These dealt with a range of matters, including measures to ensure that the relevant parts of the Health Sectoral Agreement within the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 can be given effect.
The outcome of this engagement is that detailed proposals have been agreed between the parties. Amongst the key provisions of this agreement are the following. Consultants will be available for rostering for any five days out of seven as opposed to weekdays as at present. There can be rostering of consultants where required on a 16/7 (8 a.m. to midnight) or 24/7 basis in services where this is required. Clinical Directors will have a much strengthened management role in respect of consultants. Consultants will cooperate with a range of measures to support improved Community and Mental Health services. Consultant will comply with the contractual requirements regarding private practice. Consultants commit to expeditious processing and signing of claims for submission to private health insurers. There will be more cost-effective arrangements for funding of continuing medical education.
The agreement also puts on a formal basis consultants' co-operation with a range of productivity flexibilities, which will allow for considerable efficiencies in the use of hospital beds, with the potential to deliver a saving of 220,000 bed days annually. Given that these flexibilities are centred on enhancing productivity on an ongoing basis, they are not expected to deliver immediate monetary savings. A range of other measures are in train to address the current deficit.
Separately, a 30% reduction in salary for future consultant appointees is being applied. Management proposals to reduce the “rest day” arrangements that currently apply and to eliminate the fee to consultant psychiatrists for giving a second opinion under the Mental Health Act 2001 will be referred to the Labour Court, in line with the procedures provided for in the Public Service Agreement. The issue of “historic rest days” will be referred to the Labour Court in line with normal procedures.
I believe that the proposals which have been agreed between the parties, when implemented, will allow for very significant reforms in how health services are delivered and ultimately will lead to improved outcomes for users of the services. I expect the changes to be implemented in a timely manner having regard to the relevant provisions in the Public Sector Agreement.
