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Hospital Staff.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004

Thursday, 28 October 2004

Ceisteanna (71)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

62 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the progress in the renegotiation of the consultants’ common contracts. [26293/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

During 2002 and 2003, a series of meetings took place between management and the medical organisations to resolve the outstanding issues from the current consultants' common contract. These negotiations resulted in the introduction of a revised grievance and dispute procedure for consultants.

In 2003, preliminary talks were held between management and the medical organisations to discuss forthcoming negotiations on the new contract. Unfortunately, the opposition of these organisations to the extension of the clinical indemnity scheme to cover claims against consultants led to a decision by the Irish Hospital Consultants Association, IHCA, not to participate in further negotiations with effect from 1 February 2004, which has resulted in talks on a new contract being stalled.

I am anxious to break the deadlock that has arisen, and I have indicated to the consultants that I am available to sit down with them to discuss a new contract in tandem with those issues that are of particular concern to them in relation to the clinical indemnity scheme. I am writing to the consultants to this effect today and I hope for a positive response.

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