Hospital Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 January 2018

Tuesday, 16 January 2018

Questions (1082, 1083)

Jack Chambers

Question:

1082. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health his views on the notice issued by management to interns at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, that they would not be paid for the care they provide as overtime between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 a.m.; his further views on whether this is fair, in view of the fact that interns are regularly asked to work during these hours; his views on this arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1767/18]

Jack Chambers

Question:

1083. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health if he has discussed with management the decision not to pay interns at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, for overtime work at the hospital; the steps he is taking to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1768/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1082 and 1083 together.

Where interns are required by their employer to work additional hours beyond the standard working week to deliver essential patient care they should be paid in respect of those additional hours. The HSE recently reaffirmed this in respect of Connolly Hospital and other sites.

As part of the overall policy of reducing the hours that NCHDs work and attaining compliance with the maximum 48-hours average working week specified in the European Working Time Directive, there is a focus on ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Directive in respect of interns. However where interns or other NCHDs are required to work additional hours they are entitled to be paid in respect of such attendances.