Consultants to re-open talks

HOSPITAL consultants are this week to re-open talks with Health Minister Mary Harney over her proposals to get more specialists to devote greater time to the public health service.

Last month, the Irish Hospital Consultants’ Association began a campaign of limited industrial action after talks with Ms Harney broke down over employment contracts for the consultants.

However, over the weekend, the association unanimously agreed to suspend its action, which has seen consultants boycott certain meetings and administrative duties. The association is to meet Ms Harney on Thursday for talks about re-opening negotiations over the planned new contracts for consultants in the health service.