Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 October 2022
115. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the current position in respect of the negotiations between his Department and the medical consultants' representative bodies in respect of the proposed new consultant contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52294/22]
View answerThe Government, as provided for in the Programme for Government, is committed to introducing the Sláintecare public-only consultant contract in a timely manner. The Department of Health along with the HSE has engaged with the Consultant’s representative bodies, the IMO and IHCA, through an intensive negotiation process on the new contract. The contract will not permit holders engage in private practice in public hospitals.
Engagement between the parties resumed on 23 June, following the appointment of a new replacement chair at that time, and is ongoing.
The introduction of the Contract is a key priority for me and the Government as a significant step in implementing Sláintecare reform and the delivery of care by consultants.
