Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
880. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Health if she is satisfied that all consultants on public only consultant contracts are only carrying out public work; if any hospital apart from the Rotunda Hospital has advised her that this was not the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45148/26]
View answerWe welcome the decision of the Board of Governors of the Rotunda to bring the hospital’s arrangements into line with Government policy on the terms of the Public Only Consultant Contract (POCC). A key objective of the POCC is to support equitable access to high-quality maternity care for all women and babies, regardless of their ability to pay. Its consistent implementation is central to that aim.
The HSE has been asked to conduct a full review to ensure that compliance with the terms of the POCC, specifically that no on site private practice is being conducted by POCC consultants whose transitional arrangements have concluded. To date, no other hospital has confirmed that private practice by POCC consultants has been permitted
Together, we can all now focus on continuing to deliver the very best care for all women and babies and implement reforms that strengthen our public health service for all.
