Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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197. To ask the Minister for Health the progress to date on the establishment of more robust measures to be put in place in 2018 to ensure consultants comply with all their contractual obligations in respect of the 2008 contract; the changes that have occurred since the beginning of 2018 to ensure this matter is dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7758/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I have been very clear that consultants must deliver their work commitment to the public system.

For some time now my Department has been working closely with the HSE to find a solution to ensure more effective monitoring of compliance by consultants to their contracts and that compliance is achieved in respect of all consultants.

It is the responsibility of management to make sure these contracts are being enforced and I have asked the HSE to ensure that more robust measures are in place in 2018 to make sure consultants comply with their contractual obligations. I have been clear I will require absolute assurances on this point.

Section 20 of the 2008 Consultant Contract gives the employer of the consultant full authority to take all necessary steps to ensure a Consultant's practice shall not exceed the agreed ratio of public to private practice. Accordingly, I have referred this question in relation to measures to ensure consultant compliance to the HSE for direct reply.