Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 13: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the aspects of the Hanly Report that have been implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12043/07]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the aspects of the Hanly Report that she will implement in the next five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12044/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 45 together.

The National Task Force on Medical Staffing, chaired by Mr David Hanly, was set up to:

devise a strategy for reducing the average working hours of non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) so as to achieve the requirements of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD);

address the consequent medical staffing needs of Irish hospitals;

analyse the practical implications of moving to a consultant-provided hospital system;

and consider the requirements for medical education and training arising from any changes to the current model of delivering services.

The Report of the Task Force made a series of important recommendations. These covered issues such as:

the changes needed 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.

Work is proceeding in relation to each of the main recommendations made by the Task Force.