Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

The Deputy need not apologise for calling me Tánaiste. For the first two months when I had the job, I always thought it was Dick Spring was being referred to when the title was used. It does get confusing. I also remember the Taoiseach, on this side of the House, referring to John Bruton as Taoiseach.

I do not share the Deputy's perspective on consultants. What is needed with the consultant contract is flexibility and teamwork. It may sound clichéd but we want consultants to deliver the services because they are the most experienced and competent in the business. The category 1 contract allows doctors to engage in public and private practice in a public hospital. Category 2 allows a doctor to have a private practice off-site in several hospitals. I want doctors to be kept on hospital sites. If a co-location facility exists on a hospital site and it fits in with a current category 1 contract, a doctor will be on-site and working in the facility.

I am concerned that particular arrangements are in place for a public practice in a public hospital and to which a consultant will be committed. It must also be measured and monitored so we get what we are paying for. We get an excess of what we pay for from many doctors who work beyond the 11 sessions or 33 hours a week. There are many difficulties with the current contracts and we could never negotiate such contracts again.

I agree with the Deputy that it is disappointing new contracts have not been agreed. The talks began and collapsed on two occasions. I understand Mr. Connaughton, SC, the chairperson of these talks, is talking with both sides. I hope this will have a successful outcome. I saw many positives in Mr. McNeice's article yesterday. I got the impression the IMO wants to return to the negotiating table. I would welcome that and like to see it happen as soon as possible.

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