Consultants told no pay rise unless work practices change

HEALTH Minister Mary Harney said the €140 million for pay increases under the new consultants’ contract next year would not be released until there was real change in the way patient services were delivered.

The minister decided to withhold €68m set aside this year for salary increases and additional payments because work practice changes were not enough to justify it. Consultants recently opted to accept new, higher-paid contracts in return for work practice changes.

The Irish Hospital Consultants’ Association (IHCA), which represents a majority of consultants, met Ms Harney yesterday to express concern about her decision.