HSE to re-enter talks with consultants and IMO

There has been a breakthrough in the contract row between the Health Service Executive and hospital consultants.

The board of the HSE last night announced its intention to re-enter negotiations with the Irish Medical Organisation & the Hospital Consultants Association.

The Health Service Executive arrived at the decision after accepting an approach advocated by the independent talks chairman, Mark Connaughton.

He advised that there would be unconditional negotiations for a defined period of around six weeks on a new contract.

Talks which began in 2005 broke down in deadlock late last week - a stalemate that was followed by a harsh warning from the Minister for Health Mary Harney.

Minister Harney indicated that she would press ahead with plans to impose a new contract if they did not negotiate a new one in a timely fashion.

The minister is still expected to bring plans to Cabinet next week on new contracts, but the proposals are likely to accommodate a set timetable for a deal to be agreed.