Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 September 2020
288. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the projected cost of addressing pay inequality in the health service in 2021; if he will provide a breakdown by grade; the position of his Department on this policy issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22902/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe policy position of the Government on new entrant pay is primarily a matter for DPER and, as such, the Deputy may wish to raise this directly with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
With regard to consultants, at present 'new entrant' consultants recruited since 1 October 2012 are on lower pay scales than those recruited prior to that date. The Programme for Government provides for the finalisation of the new Sláintecare Consultant Contract and the introduction of related legislation to support 'public-only work' in public hospitals. The FEMPI Acts currently prohibit pay increases for serving public servants and will require amendment to enable pay increases for serving consultants who move to the Sláintecare 'public only' Consultant Contract.
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on the estimated costs as requested.
