HSE makes new proposal in consultant contract talks

The Health Service Executive has reportedly put forward new proposals aimed at resolving the long-running dispute over new contracts for hospital consultants.

Reports this morning say the HSE is now offering to allow existing consultants to continue their "off-site" private practices if they sign up to the new contracts.

However, they will have to work longer hours in public hospitals and accept new rosters that would see them working earlier in the morning, later in the evening and at weekends.

Negotiations on the new contracts are due to resume today, with Minister for Health Mary Harney saying she wants an agreement concluded by Christmas.