Consultants expected to discuss contracts today

The Irish Hospital Consultant's annual conference is underway in Dublin today where the report on new working contracts is topping the agenda.

Mark Connaughten, who chaired the talks between consultants and the HSE, delivered his final report last night after almost two years of failed negotiations.

Doctors are considering the report's proposals today.

In his final report on new consultant's contracts, Mark Connaughten recommended that they work a 37 hour week.

He said consultants should also be in hospitals on both Saturdays and Sundays and he said private practice should be limited to about 20 percent of their work.

But the big issue of pay remains outstanding.

The IHCA will discuss the proposals at its annual conference today.

Speaking ahead of the conference, spokesperson Donal Duffy said the current HSE recruitment freeze will also be one of the main items up for discussion.

He said the organisation will debate a motion condemning the embargo which he said is impacting on patient care.