merrion street

Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar TD today, Friday 29 August 2014 welcomed the progress between the parties on consultant pay proposals.

"I believe the consultant pay proposals represent a good deal. They will facilitate the filling of a significant number of vacant consultant posts across the health system and so lessen patient waiting times and improve patient care although it will be a few months before patients see the benefits. It's also good news for the taxpayer as it will allow us to reduce agency and locum costs" said the Minister.

"I welcome the further engagement between the parties and the subsequent clarification issued by the LRC today in response to the key concern of the IMO. The proposals now include a process for the application of incremental credit to starting salaries which takes account of relevant and appropriate service and which will also deal with any appeals".

"I hope that the IMO will now recommend acceptance of these revised proposals to its members so that matters can be brought to a satisfactory and prompt conclusion".