Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 7

Written Answers. - Hospital Doctors.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

20 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the position he will adopt when the Council of Ministers considers the decision of the European Parliament of 16 November 1999 to vote in favour of the introduction of a 48 hour working week for doctors within four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25026/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The amendments proposed by the European Parliament to the draft directive on working time will now be examined by the council working party on social questions. Within the three months allowed the matter will be considered again by the Labour and Social Affairs Council. I should point out to the Deputy that the parliament has also proposed amendments to sections of the draft directive dealing with fishermen and transport workers. I obviously cannot indicate at this point what position my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment will be taking on the overall directive.

However, I have indicated previously in the House that Ireland is committed to the introduction of a 48 hour week for non-consultant hospital doctors as quickly as possible provided this does not adversely affect patient care or the career prospects of young doctors. The Forum on Medical Manpower is close to completing the first phase of its deliberations and it has considered all of its recommendations on the assumption that working hours will be reduced to those proposed in the draft directive. In addition health service management and the Irish Medical Organisation have commissioned a joint study of existing working hours as a first step in a plan to reduce working hours. Tenders have been received from a number of consultancy firms to carry out this study. I expect one of those firms to be appointed shortly and the study to commence in early 2000. It is to be completed by mid-2000. An implementation strategy will then be put in place to progressively reduce working hours.