Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1308: To ask the Minister for Health his views on whether the salaries of consultants will be reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18581/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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While the Programme for Government provides for a reduction in consultants' remuneration, my immediate priority is to achieve more effective implementation of the existing contract and to reform how services are delivered to patients. I am satisfied that considerable efficiencies can be achieved under the terms of the 2008 contract and the Public Service Agreement, if consultants embrace this reform agenda. I believe that the efficiencies, productivity increases and reform, if achieved, will be worth more to the health system than simply reducing the pay of consultants and the Government has endorsed this approach.

The HSE is at present preparing for the commencement of discussions with the consultant representative bodies and I expect these discussions to begin shortly. This process will need to be focussed on the achievement of worthwhile and measurable change and should also, in my view, be concluded within a reasonable period, in line with the provisions of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014.