Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Twenty years ago, a doctor told me that if I had to go into hospital, I should make sure I asked for a second opinion.

Twenty years ago, he said the doctor might have been on his or her feet for up to two days. This morning on my way to the Dáil I stopped by St. Vincent's hospital to speak to some of the non-consultant doctors who are currently on strike. They told much the same story as I was told 20 years ago. We all know they do not want more money. They told me that if their proposal to shorten their working week is accepted, their overall pay will fall. When I asked them what kind of duties they might perform after spending 36 hours working flat out in a hospital, they said they may have to perform a lumbar puncture or resuscitate patients in the emergency department. They told me about colleagues who had fallen asleep in operating theatres. I do not know if the Taoiseach ever worked 36 hours in a row, although I imagine he has. Having worked that long myself, I know I am not fit to change a light bulb after 36 hours. Several months ago there was consternation when we sat in the Dáil until 5 a.m. Somebody pointed out that at 5 a.m., when everybody was blind with tiredness, we were only halfway through the shift of a non-consultant hospital doctor. Two of the doctors' colleagues tragically committed suicide in the last year. More than half of our newly qualified non-consultant hospital doctors are leaving the country. Those who remained have finally mobilised, for which I say "fair play".

The crisis was not created by this Government but it presents it with an opportunity to get this right. Does the Taoiseach accept the need not only to limit the working shift to a maximum of 24 hours but also to impose binding sanctions on the HSE? The doctors believe there is a lack of credibility, accountability and trust on the part of the HSE. There has been a breakdown in trust and, therefore, they want binding sanctions. Will the Taoiseach stand over a guarantee to the non-consultant hospital doctors to the effect that binding sanctions which the HSE cannot ignore will be introduced as part of the package?

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