Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 224: To ask the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to tackle high salaries for consultants in the public health system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21104/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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. These discussions are 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.