Vol. 524 No. 4
106 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the way in which he will address the IMO suggestion (details supplied) on the need for proper contracts for junior doctors which would help resolve the crisis caused by the shortage of junior hospital doctors and on the need for progress on contracts for specialist posts which would be of particular benefit in tackling the manpower problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22763/00]
My Department, the Health Service Employers Agency and the Irish Medical Organisation have recently negotiated improved terms and conditions for junior hospital doctors. These include a substantial increase in the rate of pay for overtime worked, a training package to be put in place amounting to IR£10 million and the appointment of a senior manager in each major hospital with specific responsibility to manage non-consultant hospital doctors hours. It is also important to note that the Medical Manpower Forum is addressing the main service, training, research and career issues relating to junior hospital doctors. I am confident that these measures will not only be helpful in retaining the NCHDs already in the health services but also attract more junior hospital doctors to work in our hospitals.
With regard to contracts for specialist posts, my Department is in the process of drawing up a new contract specifically for specialist registrars which will ensure that protected time is made available to specialist registrars, specifically for training.
