The Irish Medical Organisation today accused the Government of vetoing a plan to appoint over 1,000 new hospital consultants.
Hundreds of extra consultants and flexible working practices in the health services were recommended under the Medical Manpower Forum.
The IMO has accused the Department of Finance of effectively vetoing the Medical Manpower Forum by calling for a pilot study before reviewing the report's recommendations.
IMO Chief Executive Mr George McNeice said he was concerned the Department of Finance had decided how money for the health services was to be spent and not the Department of Health.
Mr McNeice said: "The failure to implement the recommendations of many reports has led to widespread disappointment and disillusionment for health-care providers and patients alike.
"This was evident recently when Cabinet failed to give any 'firm' commitment to implementing the recommendations set out in the Medical Manpower", he said.
A spokesperson for the Department of Finance was unavailable for comment.
Forum participants included the IMO, the Department of Health and Children, the Irish Hospital Consultants' Association and the teaching and regulatory bodies.