Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2026
146. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the engagement with the HSE in relation to the provision of private maternity care in public hospitals by consultants under the new public contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51849/26]
View answerI and the Government are fully committed to the implementation and enforcement of the Public Only Consultant Contract. POCC holders are not permitted to engage in private practice within public hospitals. This position is unequivocal. There are no exemptions, arrangements or deviations from the terms of the contract.
The Office of the Chief People Officer in the HSE is currently carrying out a site-by-site review of compliance with the POCC and has committed to publishing that review once it has been complete. The HSE has also established a National Programme of Action to standardise and strengthen reporting on POCC and to accelerate implementation across all regions and services. Where deviations are identified, such as in the Rotunda hospital, I have been clear that immediate action must be taken to ensure full compliance.
My objective is clear: the Public Only Consultant Contract must mean more timely care, more senior decision makers on site, better access to services outside traditional hours, and improved service delivery for public patients. The Rotunda and Cork University Maternity Hospitals have confirmed Informal private financial arrangements between consultants, including payments or “gifts” for patient cover, has now ceased. When examples of a breach have come to light, they are and will continue to be stopped as quickly as possible.
