Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

In relation to the medical profession, when one hears stories on newly qualified doctors and long hours, work conditions that are extremely challenging and the responsibility of being a doctor, it is kind difficult to comprehend that a doctor - a human being - is sometimes working more than 100 hours per week. This is a very challenging position.

To take the example of another job, which is probably not a great example, a truck driver can only drive a certain number of hours per week. If the driver goes above that, he or she is a danger not only to himself or herself but also to the public. Obviously, we are human beings and we can make mistakes if we are tired and burnt out during a working day or working week. It is incredible that the public health system, and probably the private health system, have allowed this to happen. Doctors are working these colossal numbers of hours. It is no wonder they want to emigrate or are burnt out. It is ridiculous in this day and age that people are working that number of hours. I am interested in the system in Australia where there is a set number of hours. If a newly-qualified doctor was told that he or she will not be working 100 or 80 hours per week but 45 hours per week, I believe that would have a good effect on keeping doctors in the Irish health system. What is Dr. Humphries' opinion on that?