Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Doctors.

Bernard Allen

Question:

115 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to a recent IMO threat that a phased strike action on a hospital by hospital basis will be considered unless the issue of junior doctor overtime is finalised. [19129/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I am aware of the recent statements made by the Irish Medical Organisation arising from the ongoing difference in interpretation regarding the application of overtime rates. I met the IMO in relation to the ongoing implementation of the NCHD 2000 agreement on 30 May.

Many issues were addressed during the course of this meeting, in particular the overtime issue and I again requested that the matter should be referred to the Labour Relations Commission for its considered view. Both the HSEA and my Department agree to accept the outcome of such clarification by the LRC.

I wish to highlight again the fact that £90 million in additional funding has been allocated to NCHDs in the current year. There has been and will continue to be very significant investment in the terms and conditions applicable to NCHDs. Further progress in this regard was reached at the meeting on 30 May, in particular in the areas of the NCHD training grant, the appointment of medical manpower managers and the local consultation arrangements.