Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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411. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated cost to restore junior consultants' salaries to bring salaries in line with their colleagues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43520/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Public Service Pay Commission recently concluded a review in relation to recruitment and retention in respect of key health service grades, including consultants. 

In terms of pay, it identified the two-tier pay system as being one of number of factors affecting recruitment and found that the differential in pay between pre-existing and new entrant consultants is greater than for other categories of public servants.  The Commission proposed that the Parties to the Public Service Stability Agreement jointly consider what further measures could be taken, over time, to address this difficulty.

It is estimated that it would cost approximately €45m to bring the pay of new entrant consultants into line with their colleagues. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, my Department and the HSE have noted the Commission's views and consideration will need to be given to potential solutions which are in line with public sector pay policy and available budgets.