Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
1818. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the steps that he is taking to address the concerns of non-consultant hospital doctors; the engagements that he has had with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to its ballot for industrial action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21114/22]
View answerI, my Department and the HSE are committed to addressing the concerns of non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) and to constructive engagement with the IMO in relation to matters that are of concern to the doctors and the IMO.
The IMO has highlighted a range of issues that are of concern to the NCHD's including working hours, access to training time and pay for hours worked. The National EWTD Monitoring Group has recently reconvened having been impacted by the pandemic and will renew the focus on reducing hours worked by NCHDs and excessive shifts. I recently met with NCHDs to hear first hand of their concerns. A range of initiatives will be pursued to improve their training, working conditions and work life balance.
