Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2018
418. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the effects pay discrimination for new entrants is having on the recruitment and retention of medical consultants here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43535/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Sector Pay Commission in its Report published on 4 September 2018 identified difficulties in attracting consultant applications for many posts at present and acknowledged that the pay rates for new entrants had been highlighted as a factor in this. The Commission also recognised that the implementation of the settlement of the 2008 Consultant Contract claim, while necessary of itself, would serve to highlight further the differential in pay between the pre-existing cadre of consultants and new entrants.
Given its analysis, the Pay Commission proposed that the Parties to the Public Service Stability Agreement jointly consider what further measures could be taken, over time, to address the pay differential between pre-existing consultants and new entrant consultants which has increased following the settlement of the 2008 Consultant Contract claim. It did not consider that recently announced measures for new entrants generally would address the difference.
Notwithstanding recruitment and retention challenges, the number of consultants employed in the public health service has increased by 118 in the 12 months to end August 2018 and by 479 in the past five years and the Government remains committed to further growth. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department have noted the Commission's views and consideration will need to be given to potential solutions which are in line with public sector pay policy and available budgets. This will be a significant challenge given the amounts involved.
