Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
530. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if she is investigating weekend consultant rostering arrangements and the gifting of fees to consultants on public only consultant contracts (POCC) for delivering the babies of private patients in the Rotunda Maternity Hospital, further to media reports (details supplied); the steps she is taking to address this breach of the POCC; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46727/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health and the HSE were not aware of, and would not condone, any arrangements whereby private maternity consultants make payments or “gifts” to public consultants for covering their clinical duties.
As it would be for all specialties, the maternity consultant on duty in any hospital is responsible for the care of all patients requiring attention regardless of whether they are private or public. Cross-cover between consultants is a routine and expected part of how our public health services are delivered, ensuring continuity of care for everyone who needs it.
The Public Only Consultant Contract (POCC) is now the standard across the public health service. Private practice is not permitted in public hospitals under this contract. Any suggestion of private financial arrangements in this context would be inconsistent with contractual obligations, would raise serious concerns, and risks diverting time and resources away from treating public patients. Ensuring equitable access to high-quality care based on need, not ability to pay, is a core objective of Sláintecare.
