IHCA accuses health minister of failing to engage for 20 months
Twenty Months of Failure to Engage Between Consultants and Health Minister
A single meeting since March 2025. That is the sum of direct engagement the Irish Hospital Consultants Association says it has experienced with Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill over the past 20 months, drawing sharp accusations that the government has failed to address critical health service reforms.
Friction Over Rosters and the Public Only Contract
At the root of the fracture are mounting disagreements regarding the Public Only Consultants Contract and the rollout of uniform Saturday hospital rostering. Representing approximately 5,000 consultants, the association contends that while the government engages freely with other healthcare unions, it maintains a closed-door approach toward consultant members.
IHCA President Professor Gabrielle Colleran stated that systematic discouragement of engagement remains a matter of profound concern for the profession. Adding to the tension at the Kilkenny conference, HSE CEO Anne O’Connor canceled an expected speaking appearance at short notice.
Department Rebuffs Claims Amid Canceled Engagements
The Department of Health pushed back against the allegations of avoidance. A spokesperson emphasized that Minister Carroll MacNeill maintains regular contact with the Irish Medical Organisation and other trade unions representing healthcare workers. The spokesperson noted that the minister engages with consultants during regional visits, conferences, and formal meetings, though existing diary commitments prevented her attendance at the Kilkenny event.
Looking Ahead to Further Engagements
The Secretary General of the Department of Health met with the IHCA on September 17, 2025, to discuss the implementation of the Public Only Consultant Contract, extended day and Saturday services, and the shared challenges the increased demand and demographic pressures present for the health services and the measures being taken to respond to them. Further engagements are planned in the coming weeks, the Minister’s spokesperson added.