Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 105: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her definition of a public-only contract for consultants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15499/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Proposals for a new employment contract for consultants working in the public health system were recently tabled by the management side in the consultants' contract negotiations. The new contract will be a first step towards the introduction of a consultant-provided service and the appointment of large numbers of dedicated public hospital and community-based consultants, working in teams. This will be matched by a reduction in the number of non-consultant hospital doctors.

A consultant-provided service is dependent on consultants assuming a new role. The contract will set out the terms and conditions associated with employment as a consultant dedicated exclusively to the public health service. It will recognise consultants as senior employees with lead responsibility, within established best practice, for decisions on patient care and treatment.

The public-only contract will differ from the existing category 1 contract. While the category 1 contract permits the consultant to charge private patients for treatment in the public hospital only, the new contract will not permit this. This will help to ensure all patients, both public and private will be treated in an equitable manner.