The results of a consultants' ballot on contract reforms being sought by the HSE is due to be revealed later today.

The HSE is reportedly set to begin advertising around 100 jobs for new hospital consultants on revised contracts in the coming weeks.

The appointment of 60 new hospital consultants is being given a cautious welcome by the Irish Hospital Consultants Association.

The Health Service Executive has confirmed plans to appoint 60 new consultants to hospitals which have met targets in their A&E departments.