The national task force on medical staffing, the Hanly report, noted that Ireland is required to ensure that the provisions of the European working time directive apply to doctors in training from 1 August 2004. The directive was transposed into Irish law by the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. At present doctors in training are excluded from these provisions. My Department is at present holding discussions with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the introduction of the necessary statutory instrument to apply these provisions to doctors in training.
Questions Nos. 178 and 179 answered with Question No. 173.