Bernard Allen
Ceist:206 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has dropped a proposal for the introduction of a new category of consultant post from the final medical manpower forum report. [29342/00]
Written Answers. - Consultant Appointments.
I received the report of the medical manpower forum following the final meeting of the forum on 28 November 2000. The report, among other things, sets out the key requirements for the structuring of consultant posts in the context of both changed work patterns and increases in the consultant workforce. The preferred option would be to conclude an agreement, by negotiation, for the introduction of these changes in the context of the existing categories of consultant appointment. I will be presenting this report to Government in the near future and arrangements will then be made for its publication.