Settlement with medics is no cure for pay issue

Last week’s €182 million settlement of a High Court action between the state and medical consultants will do nothing to address our medical recruitment problem.

Under the 2008 contract, consultants agreed to major ‘work practice’ changes, the restriction or elimination of private practice, as well as more weekend working and extended rosters.

In return, they were promised pay increases. But the state welched on part of its promise.

Last week’s settlement will see ...