800 junior doctors threaten to exit health system in contracts row

More than 800 junior doctors have written to the Minister for Health James Reilly warning that they are prepared to exit the Irish healthcare system and work abroad due to the Minister's policies on consultants.

The campaign by the Irish Medical Organisation has said junior doctors would have better pay and working conditions abroad, if the Minister's proposals on new contracts are implemented.

The HSE and consultants have been in talks over new contracts - which would change the working hours and practices for junior doctors.

The IMO has said there was unease among its members, because doctors were being portrayed as though they were driven by greed.

Dr Mark Murphy of the IMO's NCHD Committee has said the issues are not just about money, but also about work-life balance and the quality of doctors' working lives in the future.

"But sure - money matters," he said. "We work in an international environment where doctors can travel easily to Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK and in all these areas, consultants and GPs will have better terms and conditions, and money."