Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 November 2022
309. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of the Sláintecare consultant contract negotiations; the details of the reported offer (details supplied); the timeline that he is working towards for agreement between both parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57202/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials of my Department and the HSE have been involved in intensive negotiations with the consultants' representative bodies, the IHCA and the IMO since June under the new Chair appointed at that time, Mr Tom Mallon.
As all parties have agreed that the negotiation process is confidential, I am not going to make any comment on the details supplied, other than to say that the headline is wrong. Similarly, given the agreement on confidentiality, it would not be appropriate to say anything further in relation to the details of the negotiations.
I can confirm that I and the Government are committed to introducing the new contract as soon as possible and in the coming months. From that point all new consultant appointments will be to the Sláintecare Consultant contract.
