Hospital consultants say significant issues remain to be resolved before talks with the Government can begin on a new contract governing how they work.
The Irish Medical Organisation has disputed a claim made in the Government's latest progress report that the major obstacle to the start of talks has now been removed.
The IMO says there are still issues concerning cover for past medical malpractice claims and an alleged breach of the existing consultants' contract to be dealt with before negotiations on a new contract can begin.
Meanwhile, the Irish Hospital Consultants’ Association wants measures to reduce future malpractice insurance for private work before entering any talks.
The Tánaiste, Mary Harney, wants talks on a new hospital contract for consultants to begin in October.
She has provided assurances that no patient who has suffered a medical mishap will be left without compensation and no consultant will be left without cover because of the indemnity dispute.
The Government wants future consultants who are appointed to be more available to treat public patients, including at weekends.
The last time the consultants' contract was changed was eight years ago.
In June, consultants were given a 7.5% pay award, bringing their annual pay to around €160,000 a year for pubic hospital work.
