The Minister is aware that many doctors signed up to category A consultant contracts during the early stage of the Covid-19 pandemic. Alongside their colleagues in the health sector they were on the front line throughout the pandemic. We in the House are extremely grateful for all of their efforts. Will the Minister provide an update on the progress to date of the incremental credit applications for these doctors? I know this issue is somewhat complex and has been going on for quite some time but they would be very grateful for any indication of when it is expected to be finalised.

I thank Deputy Devlin for raising this issue. A cornerstone of the Sláintecare policy is that we move towards public activity in our public hospitals. As Deputy Devlin knows discussions have been under way for quite some time between the HSE and the Department of Health with the relevant bodies, namely, the IMO and the Irish Hospital Consultants Association. I have been briefed as to the current state of play. The Cabinet committee has also discussed the matter. Discussions are now at a very advanced stage. We hope there will be a successful outcome because we want to move ahead with the new contract that gives primacy to the treatment of public patients in our public hospitals.