Budget 2013 Health: Health unions to fight any attempt to cut pay

Health unions have insisted they will fight any moves to cut their pay or conditions — despite Health Minister James Reilly confirming unspecified Croke Park changes are on his agenda.

In a health budget briefing at Government Buildings yesterday, the under-pressure minister effectively told medical unions to choose between cuts to pay or cuts to patient services.

While just over €300m in pay-related savings have been earmarked, Dr Reilly said it “would not be wise” to put a figure on how much he wants to cut specifically under Croke Park.