Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 1

Written Answers. - Medical Manpower Forum Report.

Willie Penrose

Question:

51 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has brought the report of the Medical Manpower Forum to Government; when he expects a decision from Government on its recommendations; when it is intended to publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9997/01]

Andrew Boylan

Question:

63 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the Report of the National Joint Steering Group on Working Hours of Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors published in January 2001. [9909/01]

Ivor Callely

Question:

141 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children the likely impact reduced working hours for doctors in training will have on hospital internal structures and delivery of services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7871/01]

Bernard Allen

Question:

155 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if the manpower forum report has been brought to Cabinet; if so, if it has been approved; and if he will publish the report. [10167/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 51, 63, 141 and 155 together.

The report of the national joint steering group on the working hours of non-consultant hospital doctors – NCHDs – and the report of the Medical Manpower Forum were brought to Government yesterday, 3 April 2001, for consideration and approval.

I strongly welcome the decisions by the Government in relation to the two reports. The recommendations contained in both these reports were achieved by consensus and on a partnership basis. The reports represent a significant step forward for the health services in that they map out a set of proposals for the reduction of NCHD hours to the level required by the EU directive. The Government has welcomed the progress made towards the implementation of the 48 hour week for NCHDs and the revised structures for medical training.

The report on NCHD working hours was undertaken in response to the EU directive to reduce the working week to 48 hours by 2010. The immediate task is to get to 58 hours by 2004 and interim measures to start this process will be taken this year. The report also contains recommendations on major changes in the way doctors are trained, flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies. A national task force will be established to prepare a detailed implementation programme for the EU Working Time Directive followed by further consideration by Government of the costs involved. The task force will also have to quantify the resource requirements arising from the report's recommendations. I propose to appoint the members of the task force and get the process under way as quickly as possible. The decision to set up a special task force is proof of the Government's determination to implement the EU directive in the most effective and efficient way possible.

In regard to medical manpower, the Government has noted the recommendations in relation to a consultant-delivered public hospital service and will consider these proposals again in the light of the results obtained from a costing study on the matter which is also to be undertaken by the newly established National Task Force on Medical Manpower. The Government has also approved the commencement of negotiations with the relevant parties on core issues arising from the reports, including flexibility-cover arrangements, teamworking, etc. and on the issues highlighted in report No. 38 of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Service.

The report of the Forum on Medical Manpower sets out proposals for the structuring of consultant posts both in the context of changed work patterns and a consultant delivered service. The next stage is to quantify the costs, following which the Government will reconsider the proposals. A detailed quantification of the resource implications will now be undertaken. The national task force will undertake this exercise in tandem with the work to be done on resource and other requirements in relation to the EU directive. There are likely to be very significant financial and staffing implications which will require careful consideration by Government. It is important that this study produces detailed and accurate data on the number of staff and the costs involved.

Arrangements will now be made for the publication of both reports.