Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

We would have reached agreement with the consultants a long time ago if we had simply agreed with everything that everybody sought but there is give and take in negotiation. It was no different here and access to public hospitals for public patients was crucial to negotiating a new contract so that there would be one for equality of access to diagnostics, outpatients and so on. That is extremely important in facilities funded by the taxpayer in a society where we are all entitled to coverage.

It takes time to recruit consultants. It is a global search although many of the senior registrars will qualify for many of the appointments. We are seeking to bring the best doctors to Ireland, many will be our own people who work in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and elsewhere. For them to disengage from their existing employment and come here can take upwards of a year.

The HSE is not trying to revise anything. Mr. Connaughton, the chairman of the talks, announced the agreement. He was an independent chairman whom both sides respected highly. As in all agreements, when it comes to dotting the i's and crossing the t's problems arise. These mainly concern the academic consultants. We have offered a salary of €265,000 but consultants want €310,000. We have suggested referring the matter to the review group on higher pay because of that difference.

See this speech in context