Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2013
398. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if Ireland is being fined under the working time directive for the long hours worked by non-consultant hospital doctors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43069/13]
View answerIn response to a Reasoned Opinion of the European Commission issued in September 2011, Ireland submitted an Implementation Plan on achieving compliance with the provisions of the Directive by the end of 2014. The Plan: Affirmed Ireland's commitment to achieving compliance with the Directive; Set out a challenging three-year timeframe for achieving EWTD compliance by the end of 2014; Committed to other measures that will support compliance, including: a. The implementation of new work patterns for medical staff; b. Transfer of work undertaken by NCHDs to other grades; c. Organisation of hospital services to support EWTD compliance.
Earlier this year I reaffirmed the 2014 target date when I met Commissioner Andor and confirmed that the immediate focus would be on eliminating average weekly hours exceeding 68 and shifts exceeding 24 hours. The question of legal proceedings with the potential for fines is a matter for the European Commission in the first instance. The Commission has not instigated such action to date.
