Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 October 2022
94. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health if there has ever been a survey done of non-consultant/SPR hospital doctors on their working conditions, number of consecutive days worked and their annual leave allocated and taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51721/22]
View answerA number of surveys have been undertaken in relation to NCHDs training and working experiences, including the Medical Council's annual survey "Your Training Counts", surveys by the postgraduate training bodies and independent researchers. Others include the RCPI Post Evaluation Survey and Irish Association for Emergency Medicine’s Survey.
The Government is committed to a root and branch review of the working conditions and are actively working towards reform for NCHD’s and making posts in Ireland more attractive for them. NCHDs are a critical part of the health service. We must recognise their importance and work to ensure that they achieve a better work/life balance.
As part of this process we are currently engaged with the Revenue Commissioners to address NCHD concerns regarding emergency tax. I have directed the HSE to urgently implement these changes.
I am aware from meetings I have had with NCHDs as recently as last Thursday in Limerick, that they have concerns in relation to their working conditions, hours of work and access to annual leave. All NCHD’s are entitled to reasonable working conditions, to their annual leave and to be allowed take it.
I announced the establishment of a National Taskforce to focus on the NCHD workforce in September 2022 . This is an ongoing process whereby I receive regular reports and updates from the Taskforce to implement improvements concurrently. I am happy to report that €1 million has already been invested to begin addressing these issues.
