Vol. 515 No. 2
61 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position concerning the negotiations taking place relating to the pay and working conditions of non-consultant hospital doctors; the Government views on whether there is a need for a radical overhaul of the terms and conditions relating to their work; and when the negotiations will be brought to a satisfactory resolution. [4882/00]
138 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the position concerning the negotiations taking place relating to the pay and working conditions of non-consultant hospital doctors; the Government views on whether there is a need for a radical overhaul of the terms and conditions relating to their work; and when the negotiations will be brought to a satisfactory resolution. [5605/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 138 together.
Non-consultant hospital doctors, are employed on standard terms and conditions of employment negotiated by the Health Service Employers Agency and the Irish Medical Organisation. The contract of employment for NCHDs is currently the subject of discussions between representatives of health service employers and NCHDs. In tandem with this, the medical manpower forum is examining the medical staffing in hospitals, including improved training and career progression for NCHDs.
Further to the proposed introduction of a 48 hour working week for NCHDs it has been agreed with the Irish Medical Organisation to undertake a study of hospital doctors' working hours. A firm of management consultants has been appointed to conduct this study at eight hospitals. It is hoped to have a report from the consultants by the end of May. This three stranded approach will constitute a major review of the working conditions of NCHDs.
