Northern Ireland, consultant contracts and Covid vaccines By Órla Ryan Monday 14 Jun 2021, 8:50 AM 12 hours ago 9,401 Views 0 Comments Image: Shutterstock/Michaelspb Updated 11 hours ago GOOD MORNING. Here’s all the news that you need to know as you start your day. Consultants 1. Some terms in a draft Sláintecare consultant contract have caused outrage among doctors, with unions set to engage with the HSE and Department of Health on the details of the deal, Orla Dwyer writes in today’s lead story. The public hospital contract firmed up on 31 May will not allow doctors to conduct any private hospital work and will have a starting salary of almost €189,000, the Department of Health said. This will increase to a range of around €220,000 to €252,000 by July 2022 under public service pay restoration agreements.