Tense talks on new contracts for hospital consultants could be concluded within deadlines set by the Government, it emerged tonight.
The Cabinet today considered an update on the negotiations between the Health Service Executive Employers Agency and the Irish Hospital Consultations Association submitted by chairman, barrister Mark Connaughton.
Mr Connaughton said he was confident agreement could be reached before his final report is due to be sent to the Government on March 27th.
A Government statement said tonight: "The Government noted Mr Connaughton's view that the talks could indeed be concluded within a matter of weeks, that is, within the timetable endorsed by the Government at its meeting on February 6th.
"The Government welcomed the intense round of negotiations now under way."
Minister for Health Mary Harney is determined that the contract talks must be concluded before the general election, expected in May. Employers want a consultant to work full-time with public patients during a 39-hour week or else do limited private work in public hospitals on a lower salary.
Consultants have warned that an attempt by employers to include a gagging clause to stop doctors speaking out about hospital conditions will not be accepted.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet also considered the options open to the Government in the industrial relations dispute began yesterday by the Irish Nurses Organisation and the Psychiatric Nurses Association.