Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health if consultants are paid for periods when their specialty unit beds are closed over extended holiday period or for any other reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41862/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Consultants, as salaried employees, are paid at a standard rate irrespective of the availability or otherwise of beds or other facilities. Under Consultant Contract 2008 consultants assignments/work schedules are developed in the context of the Clinical Directorate Service Plan. In developing the Directorate Service Plan the Clinical Director determines the monthly assignment/work schedule for each consultant and how each consultant's work commitment will be discharged in achievement of the planned level of service determined for the Directorate. This takes into account times when it may be necessary to close beds over holiday periods or for other reasons.

A key element of the proposals agreed between the parties at the recent LRC discussions is a strengthened management role for Clinical Directors with all consultants subject to the Clinical Director's authority in relation to issues such as work schedules and annual leave in order to maximise consultant availability and match it to service demands.