Consultants: Take account of stealth cuts

HOSPITAL consultants have insisted pay cuts of up to 15% for senior doctors outlined in the budget must include previous “stealth” reductions already taken if they are to be accepted by the profession.

Speaking after a weekend meeting of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association’s (IHCA) national council, assistant secretary general Donal Duffy said the union accepted the need for a pay cut to take place.

The senior official said the budget’s proposal to cut the salary of senior doctors on more than €200,000 a year by 15% and those on €150,000-200,000 by 12% was “understandable” due to the economic downturn.

However, despite the conciliatory statement, Mr Duffy said the cut should not be imposed in addition to the non-payment of a 15% pay increase by the Department of Health since June – a situation the senior doctors have alleged is a breach of their contracts.

In 2008, both the IHCA and the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) agreed to new contracts which awarded them higher salaries for working longer hours and engaging in new work practices.

However, despite committing to the proposals, they are still awaiting a second round of salary increases which were due under the new contract but have been deferred indefinitely due to the economic crisis.

“We recognise the difficulty the country is in, so we’re prepared to take a 15% cut. But we are only willing to do this provided it is on an equitable basis,” Mr Duffy warned.

“Consultants have already effectively taken a pay cut since June, and while we are willing to take a 15% cut we want that to include the previous reduction.

“If it’s not, then we’re being asked to take what is basically a 30% cut and no other profession is facing that.

“There is no question we will go on strike, but we want to speak with the minister about this. We want to be treated fairly and equitably,” he said.

The IHCA is planning to meet with Health Minister Mary Harney next Tuesday to discuss the matter further.

However, it has categorically ruled out any possibility of strike action, if their demand to have the existent pay cut included as part of the budget proposal is rejected.