Vol. 527 No. 5
96 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children the statutory number of hours that junior hospital doctors are meant to work; the average number of hours worked by non-consultant hospital doctors at present; if his Department has received a submission on measures that may encourage medical students to be retained in the health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28753/00]
Non-consultant doctors – NCHDs – normal working hours are 39 per week. However, they often are rostered to work in excess of this. The working hours of NCHDs have been the subject of negotiations at European level in the context of the EU Directive on Working Time. The Deputy will be aware that agreement was reached 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.
As part of our preparations for this eventuality we have conducted a major study of NCHD working hours on a joint basis with the Irish Medical Organisation. The study was undertaken at six hospitals by PA management consultants. The report of the study is expected to be completed shortly. In addition, the report of the medical manpower forum addresses the need to retain medical graduates in this country.
