Consultants pay litigation
Deputy Cullinane asked why the Government would not proceed with the High Court case on consultants’ pay and what the cost consequences might be. The Minister repeated that he could not comment on the individual case but said the Government would defend such cases.
Will the Minister give to the House a rationale for the Government's decision to not proceed with the High Court case regarding hospital consultants' pay? Will he also inform the House of the consequences of that decision in possible legislation and costs? We hear that this could be up to €700 million. When is the Minister for Health going to outline to the House exactly what are the consequences of not proceeding with this High Court case?
Comment on this
As I have indicated to Deputy Lisa Chambers, I cannot comment on an individual case and the conduct of that case, but as I have said, the Government will defend cases that would be taken to the courts by consultants and is determined to continue to do that. That is the position.