Up to 2000 hospital consultants could be set to receive millions of euro in compensation over the HSE's failure to honour a contract which included higher salaries.

In 2008 new work practices were agreed which included treating more public patients.

In return, the consultants were to receive more pay.

The Irish Times reports that two consultants successfully brought cases to the Employment Appeals Tribunal and others could do likewise, which could result in a total payout of around 100 million euro.

The HSE has said it will appeal,