Vol. 524 No. 6
217 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will respond to criticism made about the level of finance being provided by his Department to pay the non-consultant hospital doctors overtime; the reason for the delay in responding to the criticism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23585/00]
I am not aware of the particular criticism referred to by the Deputy. The Deputy will, no doubt, be aware that the terms and conditions for junior hospital doctors have improved very significantly following the agreement negotiated by my Department, the Health Service Employers Agency and the Irish Medical Organisation. Included in this agreement is a substantial increase in the rate of pay for overtime worked, a training package to be put in place amounting to IR£10 million and the appointment of a senior manager in each major hospital with specific responsibility to manage non-consultant hospital doctors hours.
My Department has contacted all of the relevant health agencies informing them of the new agreement and has, as is normal procedure, requested an estimate of the likely cost of the improved rate of pay for overtime to junior hospital doctors. My Department is committed to the agreement reached at the Labour Relations Commission earlier this year. There is no question of my Department reneging on this agreement.
