Further discussions between health service employers and the two organisations representing hospital consultants are likely to be convened within days in order to thrash out the final terms of new contracts for consultants.
The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) met yesterday to discuss recommendations put forward last week by the independent talks chairman, Mark Connaughton SC, on what the key elements of the new contracts should be, and on how issues in dispute might be resolved.
Fintan Hourihan, director of industrial relations with the IMO, said the view of members was that there should now be further discussions between the sides based on Mr Connaughton's report. "We will be looking to have meetings with the employers as soon as possible."
The Irish Hospital Consultants' Association decided at the weekend to support, with some reservations, Mr Connaughton's recommendations. It said it would remain available for negotiations.
Gerard Barry, chief executive of the HSE Employers' Agency, said last night he believed all sides would be back around the table soon, perhaps even before the end of the week.