Harney 'hopeful' a new consultant contract deal is close.

The Minister for Health, Mary Harney has said she is hopeful that a deal can be reached soon on a new contract for hospital consultants.

It comes after the Irish Hospital Consultants Association signalled its willingness to enter a fresh round of negotiations with the HSE.

They have agreed that progress has been made, but say that intensive talks are needed to resolve a number of outstanding issues.

IHCA President David O'Keeffe has said that they are concerned about how the extended working week will operate.

The new contract proposals see consultants working 12 hour days but Mr. O’Keeffe explains that if consultants hours are extended there will need to be additional nursing and orderly staff on duty to facilitate the work.