Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 April 2012
213 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the hospitals at which consultants are in breach of their 80:20 public private mix; the maximum breach of the ratio; the number in each hospital; his views on whether this is impacting on waiting lists; the actions he is taking to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20685/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe specific figures requested by the Deputy regarding consultant public/private practice ratios are not held by my Department. In this regard, the Health Service Executive has been requested to compile them and provide them to the Deputy as soon as possible.
One of my immediate priorities is to achieve more effective implementation of the 2008 Consultant Contract, including compliance with the public/private ratios specified therein, and to reform how services are delivered to patients.
The Health Sector Action Plan 2012, sets out, as one of its key priorities, ensuring full compliance by consultants with public/private ratios as contracted and as measured by the HIPE measurement system.
The HSE is at present preparing for the commencement of discussions with the consultant representative bodies under the PSA. These discussions are to begin shortly. This process will need to be focussed on the achievement of worthwhile and measurable change including compliance with the public/private practice ratios agreed in the 2008 Contract. I am satisfied that compliance and implementation of the other measures relating to consultants provided for in the Health Sector Action Plan will have a positive impact on waiting lists.
