Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 May 2012
530 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he will report on efforts to review the performance and pay of hospital consultants in the context of recent comments by the outgoing Health Service Executive Human Resources Manager (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20007/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the Programme for Government provides for a reduction in consultants' remuneration, my immediate priority is to achieve more effective implementation of the existing contract and to reform how services are delivered to patients. I am satisfied that considerable efficiencies can be achieved under the terms of the 2008 contract and the Public Service Agreement, if consultants embrace this reform agenda.
I believe that the efficiencies, productivity increases and reform, if achieved, will be worth more to the health system than simply reducing the pay of consultants and the Government has endorsed this approach.
Consultations with the consultant representative bodies are due to commence this week. This process will need to be focussed on the achievement of worthwhile and measurable change and should also, in my view, be concluded within a reasonable period, in line with the provisions of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014.
