Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the Hanly report on the reform of the health service forms part of Government policy; if the Health Service Executive is obliged to consider the contents of its recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15843/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The National Task Force on Medical Staffing 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 in the Report. The Report is helping to inform the Health Service Reform Programme.