Hospital consultants have decided to call off planned industrial action and to join the Government in taking legal action against the Medical Defence Union (MDU) in the dispute over medical insurance.
After a meeting this morning the Irish Hospital Consultants Association said it was happy with the assurances the Government on Thursday. A letter to consultants from the Government stated the Cabinet endorsed Tánaiste and Minister for Health Ms Harney's commitment that no consultant refused assistance by the MDU would be left uncovered by the State if sued.
President of the IHCA, Dr Josh Keaveny, said after today’s meeting: "The greater share of the blame for this dispute over medical indemnity lies with the Medical Defence Union."
"If no patient and no consultant is left uncovered for past incidents, then a major obstacle between the Department of Health and the IHCA will have been removed.
"This week, the Department gave the clear assurances which patients, their families and doctors need. We look forward to working with the Tánaiste, the Department of Health and other agencies in bringing about the reforms which should give patients the health system they need and deserve."
Any legal challenge will be handled by the Chief State Solicitors Office and will be funded by the Government but it has been agreed that IHCA solicitors will be involved in any such action, the IHCA said. All costs associated with these actions will be funded by the State.