Nora Owen
Ceist:131 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the EU working hours directive in relation to junior doctors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12146/00]
Written Answers. - Hospital Doctors.
The working hours of NCHDs have been the subject of negotiations at European level in the context of the proposed extension of the 1993 EU directive on working time to doctors in training. Deputies will be aware that different stances on this issue had been taken by the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament. Agreement was reached recently on a formula which provides for a nine year transition period to apply the directive to junior doctors. Ireland has always stated that it will reduce junior doctors' working hours to an average of 48 per week at least as quickly as required by any European legislation. I am confident that, with the full co-operation of the profession, we can achieve that objective in the nine years allowed.