Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I am aware the Irish Medical Organisation has, on behalf of junior hospital doctors, submitted a claim to the Public Service Benchmarking Body for a 20% pay increase. The benchmarking body, which is independent, examines and reports on the pay of public service grades with reference to pay rates for similar types of employment in the private sector. A media report has suggested that a similar claim may be submitted to the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector on behalf of consultants. The review body, which is independent, examines and reports upon the remuneration of consultants and other senior public service grades. In making its report, the review body is expected to have regard to the desirability of encouraging a high level of efficiency and effectiveness in the relevant areas. The Health Service Executive and I are keen to ensure that any pay increases awarded by either body will reflect the level of co-operation by medical grades with the health reform programme. A new contract for consultants and junior hospital doctors is a central element of that programme.

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