The Government has given a six-week deadline for hospital consultants to agree on a new contract, it emerged tonight.
Minister for Health Mary Harney previously warned that she will begin recruiting 1,500 new consultants if agreement is not reached.
Independent talks chairman, Mark Connaughton will provide an interim progress report to the Government by February 27th and conclusive findings by March 27th.
The Cabinet today discussed the issue at its weekly meeting and agreed that the new contract should support equal access to public hospitals for all patients and flexibility in working arrangements.
A new regime must also deliver consultant-delivered services, team-working by consultants, clinical directorships and a clear commitment to the public hospital system.
Ms Harney said: "Patients have to be admitted faster, to be seen by consultants faster, and to be discharged from hospital faster.
"The Government is determined to have its policies implemented in respect of the hiring of new consultants on new terms, and the better organisation of services for patients in public hospitals.
"The development of consultant-provided care will require substantial increases in the number of consultant posts over the coming years.
"In excess of 1,500 additional consultants will be required in a fully planned and properly budgeted way, integrated with service development, with a proportionate decrease in the number of non-consultant hospital doctors."
PA