Ms Anne Marie Hoey:

As was mentioned earlier, more than 2,200 consultants are now on the new contract. Approximately 470 are new entrants since March 2023 and the balance are consultants who have transitioned. There are a number of factors individuals will take into consideration if thinking about changing to the new contract. Those consultants who were appointed since 2012 have a different salary scale and may or may not have private practice as part of their post-2012 contract. There is no doubt that the new contract is somewhat more attractive for them. Those who were appointed before 2012 and who are on the old contract, the 2008 contract, may have private practice as part of that contract. They would individually consider whether they wish to transfer over to the new contract. There are a number of contracts in place at this stage. There is the 1997 contract, the 2008 contract and the new contract. Each individual will look at his or her own specific circumstances and decide whether it is advantageous to transfer to the new contract and whether he or she is incentivised to do so.