Croke Park 'disaster' for consultants - senator

A leading senator and oncologist says the Croke Park Agreement has been a disaster for consultants.

Professor John Crowne has acknowledged that the agreement has achieved industrial peace.

However, he says it has not worked out well for senior specialists at individual hospitals around the country.

"I'm not a big lover of national agreements. For consultants, it has been a disaster.

"I think individual hospitals, entities and universities should be allowed to negotiate contracts with individuals, senior specialists who work with them

"Having the same contract for a radiologist in Bantry as a plastic surgeon in Blackrock is crazy."