Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 272: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to implement the European Working Time Directive for Doctors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8467/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The European Working Time Directive (EWTD) was transposed into Irish law on 1st August 2004. It specifies that non-consultant hospital doctors' (NCHDs') working hours should be reduced to a maximum of, on average, 48 hours per week from 2009. In addition there are also provisions for minimum daily and weekly rest periods and for compensatory rest periods.

In order to achieve compliance with the Directive the Task Force on Medical Staffing made a series of important recommendations including the changes required in NCHD work patterns; the need for a significant increase in the number of consultants; the need for a revised contract for medical consultants; reform of medical education and training; and the reorganisation of acute hospital services.

Health Service employers have established a number of pilot groups — local implementation groups (LIGs) — throughout the country. These groups include representatives from management, medical grades, nursing grades, the social care professions and the training bodies. These pilot groups will examine local issues and develop plans for EWTD compliance.

A National EWTD Implementation Group (NIG), chaired by Dr. Cillian Twomey, has been established to give guidance to the LIGs. A Nursing and Midwifery Expert Group has also been established to interface with the NIG on the implications for nurses of any changes proposed.

The LIGs have presented proposals to the NIG on options for the reduction of NCHD hours. So far 16 pilots have begun and a further 3 have been formally approved. When the work of these pilot sites is complete, by the end of this year, the outcomes will be evaluated by the NIG with a view to the broader application of similar arrangements.