Consultants resume talks with HSE over new contracts
09/02/2006 - 12:04:18Unions representing consultants at Irish hospitals have resumed negotiations with the Health Services Executive (HSE) over new contracts for their members.
The HSE wants the doctors to commit to working exclusively in the public sector and to accept new rosters that would see them providing 24-hour cover.
The talks have stalled, however, over the issue of how much extra pay the consultants will receive in return for the reforms.
At present, consultants earn a ound €160,000 a year for working 33 hours per week, some of which can be spent treating private patients.
