Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 294: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the EU restrictions on working hours of doctors and nurses have been implemented; and the period of derogation that remains to Ireland in respect of the working hour directive. [11242/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The European Working Time Directive (EWTD) was transposed into Irish law on 1 August 2004. It specifies that non-consultant hospital doctors' (NCHDs') working hours should be reduced as follows:

maximum of 58 hours per average working week from 1/8/04;

maximum of 56 hours per average working week from 1/8/07; and

maximum of 48 hours per average working week from 1/8/09 onwards.

In addition, there are also provisions for minimum daily and weekly rest periods and for compensatory rest periods

11 hours rest per 24 hours, or compensatory rest must be given immediately; and

weekly rest period of at least 35 consecutive hours, or fortnightly rest period of at least 59 consecutive hours.

Many NCHDs are already compliant with the 58-hour week, but the most significant challenge is to achieve full compliance with the requirements for rest and breaks.

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. The 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. The hours worked by nurses in the public health service are within the limits set by the EWTD.