Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 710 to 713, inclusive, together.

It is important that newly qualified doctors can be retained within the public health system and measures are in train to support consultant and NCHD retention. One of the key recommendations from the Working Group chaired by Prof MacCraith, DCU, was that the relevant parties commence a timetabled IR engagement of short duration to address the barrier caused by the variation in rates of remuneration that have emerged since 2012 between new entrant consultants and their established peers, following the 30% reduction in new entrant consultant pay. My Department in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the HSE have been in discussions with the IMO on this recommendation and revised pay rates for new entrant consultants have been proposed. The proposals agreed between Management and the IMO were issued by the LRC on 7 January and are now the subject of a ballot of relevant IMO members. Recruitment of additional consultants will be a priority as soon as possible after the conclusion of the ballot.

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on the specific data requested. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.