Minister for Health Mary Harney has said 120 new hospital consultants will be recruited over the next few months under the new contract with the Health Service Executive.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio's News at One, Ms Harney said the new recruits would significantly improve how hospitals function.
The Minister said her assurance that consultants will play a central leadership role was a key factor in Saturday's decision by the Irish Hospital Consultants Association, which represents the majority of consultants, to recommend the new contract to its members.
She said she hoped the Irish Medical Organisation will also decide in time to accept the new contract.
