To ask the Minister of Health why he is waiting for negotiations with doctors in England to conclude before addressing pay and conditions for doctors in Northern Ireland.

I have already taken steps to address, in part, medical and dental pay by accepting the recommendations of the relevant pay review body for 2023/24.

Industrial action by BMA members is being undertaken across the United Kingdom in support of an above-inflation uplift and a commitment to address pay erosion. Any pay erosion has been a consequence of national fiscal policies over the past decade which have impacted across the public sector. This is a national issue, and it is therefore prudent to await the outcome of wider discussions to make better informed decisions. My Department has committed to further negotiations when we have greater clarity on any final settlement in the ongoing disputes.