Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I refer to an issue with A Programme for a Partnership Government, in which there is a reference to new medical consultant contracts, in particular to the pay disparity that has developed between consultants who were appointed pre and post 2012, which is now at 30%. Consultants are working side by side and doing the same work but some are being paid 30% less. That has resulted in one in five consultant posts being vacant, so this is affecting every community and hospital in the country. It is impossible to recruit consultants and part of the reason for that is the pay disparity.

I would like to know the Government's view on this issue. Many countries facing similar problems have taken proactive actions to address the issue. What is the Government going to do to address it? It is leading to gaps in our service, longer waiting lists, as was mentioned this morning, and unmet need for our patients.

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