Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2022
918. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will engage with union representatives for non-consultant hospital doctors who have voted in favour of taking industrial action; the steps he is taking to address their concerns regarding working conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32804/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to reaffirm my and the Government’s commitment to addressing the issues that led to non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) voting in favour of industrial action. I want to achieve this through engagement with the IMO and NCHDs.
I confirmed at the recent IMO AGM that the Government is committed to reducing NCHDs working hours and improving their working conditions. The HSE and other health sector employers must honour the terms of the NCHD Contract and ensure that NCHDs benefit fully from those terms. NCHDs should not have to work unsafe and illegal hours. They must be given access to training and be able to take annual and study leave and get paid for hours worked. The number and ratio of training posts for NCHDs will be increased and training opportunities for all doctors improved.
I have written to the HSE asking that they engage and resolve these issues and have been assured that they will work collaboratively with NCHDs and the IMO to do so.
