HSE: Consultants' pay 'comparable anywhere in English-speaking world'

The Irish Medical Organisation is accusing the HSE of not being serious about tackling the recruitment crisis for consultants.

It follows a breakdown in LRC discussions last night over contracts for newly appointed consultants working only in public hospitals.

The proposals would allow consultants earn up to €175,000 a year.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar says that is comparable to salaries in other English-speaking countries but he accepts there are a large number of vacant consultant posts.

Barry O’Brien, the HSE National Director of Human Resources, believes they will now be filled.

He said: "We have restored the salary structure for consultants.

"The earning capacity is comparable to anywhere in the English-speaking world and we are saying that Ireland is an attractive opportunity.

"I think that when we do start advertising the posts, I think there will be a strong interest in the jobs."