THE chief executive of the IMO Mr George McNeice, yesterday defended the income levels of hospital consultants.
He told the organisation's annual conference that to target consultants as being "super rich" on the basis of the earnings of a small number of individuals was to "grossly distort the reality".
"In today's society'" said Mr McNeice, "excellence in many spheres is increasingly acknowledged and extolled in industry, entertainment, in the arts and the sports field. Surely excellence in the medical sphere is no less worthy."
According to VHI sources, half a dozen consultants each earned over £500,000 from the company last, year. VHI payments to consultants have increased by 130 per cent over the last six years.