Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 309: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress which has been made on the renegotiation of the hospital consultants' contract since the dissolution of the 29th Dáil; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17454/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The independent chairman of the negotiations, Mr. Mark Connaughton SC., has put forward proposals for a Framework Agreement between the employing authorities in the health service and consultants. I have recently met with the organisations representing the consultants, the Irish Hospital Consultants Association and the Irish Medical Organisation, and both organisations expressed their willingness to resume talks within the context of the chairman's proposed framework. I have also met with Mr Connaughton and I am hopeful that the talks process will be concluded by early Autumn.