Hospital Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2012

Tuesday, 6 November 2012

Questions (1137)

Derek Nolan

Question:

1137. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Health the standard annual leave entitlements for non consultant hospital doctors; if a solution has been found for the dispute between the Health Service Executive and non consultant hospital doctors regarding these annual leave entitlements; if non consultant hospital doctors will be compensated for the fact that they may be rostered to work weekends and bank holidays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48326/12]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The issue of NCHD annual leave had been the subject of dispute since implementation of the 2010 contract. The contract provides that non consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) are entitled to 16 calendar days leave per 6 month period, with calendar days inclusive of weekends and that annual leave and public holidays would be granted in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997.

I am pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that the HSE and the IMO have now finalised an Annual Leave Agreement with the assistance of the LRC, following the most recent conciliation conference held on 18th October. The Agreement encompasses public holiday entitlements.