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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 6

Written Answers. - Hospital Doctors.

Bernard Allen

Question:

236 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, he will take to deal with the situation where junior doctors are refusing to enter into contracts with hospitals because of the ongoing exploitation of their goodwill by withholding their entitlements; and his views on whether there is a clear occupational safety risk created by loss of sleep along with other working conditions, eating arrangements and rest facilities. [10628/00]

Bernard Allen

Question:

243 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received a report launched by the Irish Medical Organisation and the Health and Safety Authority which showed that non-consultant hospital doctors are at a higher risk of mental illness, substance abuse and emotional distress; and his views on whether this is conclusive proof that the effects of sleep loss are equivalent to those caused by moderate to high blood alcohol concentration. [10635/00]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 236 and 243 together.

I am not aware that junior doctors are not taking up contracts for the reasons stated by the Deputy. The proper implementation of nationally-agreed terms and conditions for doctors is a matter for each hospital. Employers have been reminded of their obligations in this area.

The report referred to by the Deputy is a review of the literature on the effects of working long hours in a stressful environment. The findings are consistent with studies carried out in other occupational groups who work in similar circumstances. The Health Service Employers Agency is working with the Irish Medical Organisation on a major study of doctors' working hours. It is hoped that following that study an implementation plan can be agreed to reduce working hours in accordance with the EU working time directive or more quickly if this is possible.
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