James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 231: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the status of the new consultants contract; the number of posts available under the revised contract; when she expects appointments will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21508/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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On 6 May 2008 the Irish Hospital Consultants Association voted to accept the terms of the new contract for medical consultants. I am advised that the Irish Medical Organisation has also balloted its members and that the result will be known in early June. The Deputy will be aware that it has taken almost five years to complete these negotiations and it is therefore vitally important that the new contract is implemented progressively from the 1 September next and that patients quickly see the benefits of the new working arrangements for consultants in tangible ways.

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. Details concerning the number of posts available under the revised contract and when appointments will be made are therefore appropriate to the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.