Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Minister has read the programme for Government even if he has not acted to implement it. The programme clearly and unequivocally states that the pay of hospital consultants will be reduced. There were negotiations and flexing of muscles but, in the meantime the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court dealt with two issues. What is the position on the agreement that the Minister indicated would be implemented by early October? Are all the consultants abiding by the agreement? Have they embraced the new practices as outlined by the LRC and the Labour Court or are the negotiations ongoing? Are all consultants buying into this and what will be done to those who do not abide by the LRC and Labour Court decisions that the Minister welcomed with open arms? They have not exactly embraced the agreement. It is not news to us that consultants are a critical component of the health service but some sort of sanction is required if they do not embrace the new work practices.

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