Extract from Taoiseach"s Address to Fianna Fail Ard Fhies

Fianna Fáil is committed to doubling the number of consultants so that senior doctors are available to see patients on a 24 hour basis, while we reduce the workload on junior doctors.  At the same time we want our hospitals operating throughout the week, especially at the times they are needed most.  To achieve these objectives there is no getting away from the need for a new consultants’ contract.  All the professional bodies have supported reports which have at their core the need for a new contract.

We are committed to putting the interests of public patients first.  We are committed to achieving the necessary flexibility in the working hours on consultants so that relevant specialists are available when patients need them most.  We are committed to expanding the range and quality of services available in all regions.  As part of achieving all this, we are committed to implementing a further major increase in consultant numbers. 

But we have to be clear about a simple fact.  We cannot be expected to implement this increase in consultant numbers without a new consultants contract.  This is essential for reform.

It is now time for the Irish Hospital Consultants Association to return to the table and to engage in these essential contract negotiations.

The issues involved with a new contract are tough but the objective is clear.  They have been on the table for a long time.  They have been studied time and again through fully-inclusive and non-political groups.  The time for action has come.  For the sake of patients let us get it done and let us move on.