I propose to take Questions Nos. 1347, 1359, 1384 and 1557 together.
The Government is committed to achieving compliance with the European Working Time Directive in respect of non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) by 2014. This is in the interest of doctors themselves and of the patients under their care.
This is a complex matter. Amongst the issues involved, depending on the particular service, are changes to NCHD rosters and work patterns, greater use of Consultant teams, organisation of services, introduction of electronic rostering and time-recording systems and task reallocation between health professionals.
The Health Service Executive's Service Plan for 2013 specifically recognises the need to address EWTD compliance. The Executive has established a National Group to bring a clear and urgent focus to implementation of the Directive, assessment of performance and site-by-site accountability for change. The Group has engaged and continues to work with management in each hospital regarding implementation plans and accountability. The immediate focus is to ensure that no doctor works more than 68 hours per week and that none work shifts (including on-call) of longer than 24 hours at a time.
I am keeping this matter under ongoing review so as to ensure that the HSE, to the maximum extent possible, reduces the average working hours of NCHDs and implements other measures to improve their working conditions.