05/12/2008

Consultants "Have Not Earned" Pay Rise

The Irish Health Minister has infuriated hospital consultants by claiming they have not earned over €68 million in increased pay.

The announcement made at an Oireachtas committee is sure to spark outrage amongst doctor organisations.

The meeting approved Minister Mary Harney's supplementary health funding of €345 million, €72 million of which was to pay for hospital consultants for switching to a new work contract that would see them work longer hours.

But because of apparently "slow progress" on the switch over, the minister is to give €68 million back to the exchequer after claiming the consultants had not earned their increase.

"Given the serious state of the public finances I am not prepared to use taxpayers' money to fund significant salary increases for medical consultants until such time as I am satisfied they are delivering on the reformed work practices that are designed to benefit the public health system," said Minister Harney

She added: "I intend to revisit the issue of salary increases as soon as sufficient progress is achieved, hopefully early in the New Year."

(DW)


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