Vol. 501 No. 3
77 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by the IMO concerning some junior hospital doctors working up to 115 hours per week; the steps, if any, being taken to reduce the number of hours worked in these cases, having regard to the risks to patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5937/99]
It is the function of local hospital management to agree work rotas with non-consultant hospital doctors taking into account the nature of the service to be provided. The basic working week of all NCHDs is 39 hours. However, they are liable to be rostered to work up to an average of 65 hours per week. The 65 hour week was implemented in 1989 following a Labour Court recommendation and in consultation with the Irish Medical Organisation which represents the interests of NCHDs. A mechanism has been introduced to monitor and control working hours of NCHDs as part of the revised terms and conditions of the NCHD contract of employment effective from 1 January 1997. The first stage of the mechanism was introduced on 1 July 1995 and the complete 4 stage mechanism, to resolve any breach of the Labour Court recommendation, has been in place since 1 January 1997.
