Question from Deputy Pádraig Rice - PQ 44003-26

To ask the Minister for Health her plans with respect to the proposed salary structures for physician associates to address concerns related to the proposed reductions (The suggested salary scale represents a substantial reduction compared to existing PA salaries and comparable clinical roles internationally. According to PAs, a reduced salary structure risks: undermining recruitment and retention, encouraging emigration of Irish-trained graduates, and weakening the long-term sustainability of the profession in Ireland.They believe salary and progression structures should reflect the level of postgraduate medical training, clinical responsibility, and contribution to multidisciplinary patient care.); and if she will make a statement on the matter.