Consultants likely to reject latest contract proposals

The Irish Hospital Consultants Association is reportedly set to reject the new contract being introduced for its members by the HSE.

Reports this morning say new difficulties have emerged in the long-running talks on a contract that would see consultants working more flexible hours and cutting back their private practice in public hospitals.

Both the IHCA and the Irish Medical Organisation are due to consider the latest HSE proposals tomorrow.

However, the IHCA has reportedly told the HSE that its national council is likely to reject the proposals due to outstanding disagreement over private practice, working hours and new arrangements for academic medicine in hospitals.

Such a move would be a major blow as it looked like the two sides had reached a deal on a draft contract earlier this year.