Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 4

Written Answers - Hospital Doctors.

Liz McManus

Question:

180 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the timeframe envisaged for the completion of the commitment made by the Government on working time of non-consultant hospital doctors; the current number of such doctors employed here; the projected increase in this number over that timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12858/01]

Liz McManus

Question:

185 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimated cost of the implementation of the recommendations made in the medical manpower forum report, itemised by recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12863/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 185 together.

The report of the national joint steering group on the working hours of non-consultant hospital doctors and the report of the medical manpower forum were brought to Government on 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 timetable for the implementation of the directive, in so far as it affects NCHDs, is as follows. In 2004 the average working hours per week will be reduced to 58. By 2007 there will be a further reduction of two hours per week to 56. By 2009 the average hours worked by NCHDs will be 48. 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.