Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 72: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she intends implementing a public only contract for consultants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21246/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Talks on a new hospital consultant contract commenced on 24th November 2005 under the independent chairmanship of Mr. Mark Connaughton SC. At that meeting, and at a further plenary meeting in December, both the IHCA and the IMO indicated that they required a number of issues to be addressed before they could engage in substantive negotiations on a new contract.

Proposals for a new employment contract for consultants working in the public health system were tabled by the management side in January this year in the context of 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.

The medical organisations have thus far not engaged in substantive discussions on these proposals. Talks on 9 February were adjourned without any further date being set for their resumption. The independent chairman has, however, maintained contact with both sides.

I met a delegation from the IHCA on 12th May 2006. At that meeting, I indicated to the delegation that any outstanding issues would be most appropriately addressed in the context of direct discussions with management. To this end, I emphasised the need for talks to resume as soon as possible. I understand that in response to this, the IHCA has now made contact with the independent chairman with a view to arranging a further meeting with health service management.