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Hospital Consultants Remuneration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2012

Tuesday, 9 October 2012

Questions (642, 643)

Michael Creed

Question:

642. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health the amount of money paid to medical consultants in the Health Service in 2011 and to date in 2012, in respect of their obligations under their public contracts; the anticipated savings in this area arising from recently concluded negotiations for the Health Service budget in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43037/12]

View answer

Michael Creed

Question:

643. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health the level of salary cuts negotiated for medical consultants recently for both new entrants and existing contract holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43038/12]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 642 and 643 together.

I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the amount paid to consultants in the public health service in 2011 and to date in 2012. The outcome of the negotiations with the consultant representative bodies is that detailed proposals have been agreed between the parties. Amongst the key provisions of this agreement are: Consultants' co-operation with measures to improve patient flow through the hospital system with the potential to deliver a saving of 220,000 bed days per annum; Consultants' availability for rostering for any five days out of seven as opposed to weekdays as at present; 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 commit to expeditious processing and signing of claims for submission to private health insurers; More cost-effective arrangements for funding of continuing medical education.

These flexibilities are centred on enhancing productivity and efficiency on an ongoing basis and on maximising the availability of consultants, as key clinical decision makers. A range of other measures is being pursued to address the HSE's budgetary issues. Separate from the negotiations with the consultant representative organisations, I have announced that new consultants will be appointed at a significantly reduced rate, involving a 30% reduction in salary for future appointees. The relevant pay scales have been issued to the HSE.

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. Health service management is now proceeding with implementation in the coming weeks, having regard to the relevant provisions in the Public Sector Agreement.

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