Minister says consultants must work longer hours or face pay cuts

HEALTH Minister Dr James Reilly has told senior hospital consultants they must either work at weekends or have their substantial pay packets cut to save the state up to €100 million.

Speaking at the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) annual conference in Waterford at the weekend, he said he wanted more “flexibility” and “productivity” from consultants.

Dr Reilly said there is a need for consultants to work at weekends and see more patients to reduce waiting lists in the public system.