HSE consultant contracts

Sir, – It is bizarre that the HSE wants to enforce its contract with hospital consultants by asking private insurance companies not to pay consultants' fees for work done to the insurance companies' customers ("HSE seeks action on consultants' private pay", December 2nd).

The enforcement of the consultant contract is the duty of HSE management, and if it cannot carry out this function, the matter should be brought before the courts.

It is not the duty of privately owned insurance companies to enforce an employment contract between doctors and the State. – Yours, etc,

AOIFE LORD,

READ SOME MORE

Tankardstown,

Co Meath.