Written answers

Wednesday, 13 June 2012

9:00 pm

Photo of Billy KelleherBilly Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 212: To ask the Minister for Health the areas of the consultants' contracts that are not being implemented; the actions he and the Health Service Executive are taking to address the issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28485/12]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Consultant Contract 2008 provides for an extended working day and greater equity in the provision and delivery of care, with consultants working as part of a team delivering the Clinical Directorate Service Plan. This Contract is now the contract held by some 80% of Consultants working in the public health service. All aspects of the contract are in force and implementation at hospital level is the responsibility of the Chief Executive in each institution.

Clinical Directors have been appointed at hospital level and are taking a lead role in the management of change and ensuring compliance with the Consultant Contract.

The organisations representing Consultants are encompassed by the terms of the Public Service Agreement and discussions are currently ongoing on a comprehensive flexibility and reform agenda.

The Health Sector Action Plan 2012 for the implementation of the Public Service Agreement sets out a number of proposals for medical consultants including:

o Full cooperation with the implementation of the clinical programmes and the work programme of the Special Delivery Unit.

o Greater flexibility by consultants in respect of their attendance patterns, reflecting the need to have some services delivered on a 24/7 basis within a 5/7 working week.

o Compliance with the reduction of the historical rest days in order that no liability exists by the end of 2012 for an additional year off when a consultant retires.

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