Consultants still await contract proposals

CATHERINE McNally (Irish Examiner letters, February 12) accuses hospital consultants of refusing to discuss changes in their contract, but she seems unaware the Department of Health and the HSE have yet to table any detailed proposals on a new contract.

They had opportunities over the past four years to do just that, but never availed of them.

Inspired media leaks and speculation from the department do not constitute negotiation.