John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health the savings that could be made if consultants’ pay was reduced to the EU average; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7510/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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It is not possible to calculate a precise figure in this regard, given the range of variables that would have to be taken into account. The average salary for a consultant working in the public health service was approximately €170,000 in 2012. Including allowances, the average salary was about €185,000.

My immediate priority is to achieve more effective implementation of the existing consultants contract and to reform how services are delivered to patients. The terms of the agreement reached with the consultant representative bodies at the Labour Relations Commission in September 2012 provide for significant changes in working practices and more cost-effective delivery of services. A number of further matters were addressed by the Labour Court in LCR 20403 of 6 November 2012. Health service management is proceeding with implementation of the changes arising from the industrial relations process.