The Health Minister, Wicklow T.D. Simon Harris needs to set a start date for talks to address the problem of recruiting and retaining consultants, according to the IHCA.
The Irish Hospital Consultants Association says one in five permanent consultant posts are either empty or only temporarily filled across health services.
Figures released late last week show the numbers of patients waiting to see a hospital consultant has grown by an average of almost 7,000 per month since the start of the year.
Wicklow Commuters: Have Your Say on Dublin-Wexford Rail Line
Blessington Farm Steps Into National Spotlight
Two Weeks To Budget 2027: Simon Harris Focusing On Income Tax, Energy Support & Childcare
Daina Moorehouse Eyes Redemption Against Fuentes Fernandez In European Quarters
Festival Republic Moves Kaleidoscope to Glendalough as Russborough Deal Ends