Bernard Allen
Question:164 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the 48 hour week for non-consultant hospital doctors decided by the European Parliament. [25589/99]
Written Answers. - Hospital Doctors.
The position adopted by the European Parliament on the draft directive on working time on 16 November now goes back to the Council of Ministers for consideration. I have repeatedly stated that Ireland will introduce reduced working hours for hospital doctors as quickly as is consistent with safeguarding patient care and not jeopardising the career prospects of young doctors.