Relations steadily worsen following report

RELATIONS between the Department of Health and the country’s consultants have grown steadily worse since a Government-commissioned report on health reform last year recommended the renegotiation of the consultants’ contract.

Under the deal with the State they are committed to providing 33 hours a week to public patients. In return, they are paid an average of €152,000, and the contract does not preclude them from carrying out private work.

There are approximately 1,500 consultants in a health service comprising almost 100,000 people. Theirs is a relatively small number but belies the influence that they have: consultants form a hugely powerful medical and political lobby.