Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014
760. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health the steps that have been made to date to make savings from hospital consultants pay since 2011; and if there plans to examine further terms and conditions of consultants' contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55352/13]
View answerSignificant steps have been taken to make savings from hospital consultants' pay since 2011.
The salary scales for new entrant consultants were reduced by 10% with effect from 1st January 2011. A further reduction of 30% was applied to these scales for those interviewed for posts on or after 1st October 2012. Serving consultants interviewed for academic posts on or after 1st October 2012 are allowed retain their existing salaries. In addition, on 1st July of 2013 consultants' pay was reduced in line with the provisions of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2013. As set out in the Haddington Road Agreement, these reductions were not applied to the 1 October 2012 pay scales, having regard to the level of reduction already applied. Consultants have also been subject to changes in work practices under the PSA. These include the range of flexibilities agreed at the LRC in September 2012 to enhance productivity and efficiency. Arising from the LRC engagement, two items were referred to the Labour Court for a binding ruling – current rest day entitlements and the fee payable for second opinions under the Mental Health Acts. A third issue, historic rest days, was referred under the normal IR processes.
The Court recommended a 25% reduction in each consultant's entitlement to historic rest leave and that this must be used by 2020. Management are giving effect to this recommendation. In relation to rest day entitlements the Labour Court recommended that compensatory rest be given in respect of actual call-out time only rather than leave (in the form of rest days) whether there is a call-out or not. Implementation of this recommendation is under discussion in order to ensure workable arrangements that will not adversely affect care. The Court recommended that the fee payable to Consultant Psychiatrists for the provision of a Second Opinion under the Mental Health Act, 2001 be addressed as part of the review of allowances in the public service. This matter will be dealt with in accordance with paragraph 2.27 of the Haddington Road Agreement. This Agreement encompasses a range of productivity measures and workplace reform including additional working hours.
At this time, beyond the issues outlined, there are no plans to examine further the terms and conditions of the consultants contract. However, as set out in the Haddington Road Agreement, the measures specified therein on productivity, cost extraction and reform must be achieved.
