Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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329. To ask the Minister for Health the effect the implementation of the working time directive will have on hospitals; the fines that will be applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2022/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Full implementation of the European Working Time Directive will have beneficial effects, for the doctors concerned, patients in their care and hospitals. The achievement of compliance with the provisions of the Directive in respect of non-consultant hospital doctors by end 2014 is a priority of the Government, in order to improve patient safety as well as the working conditions of doctors. It will also support the efficient delivery of care within hospitals.

The development of robust plans to achieve compliance in each hospital and their implementation are priorities for health sector management in 2014. Under a set of proposals agreed under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission in October 2013, the Irish Medical Organisation is now jointly involved with health service national management in an ongoing process to assess the position in each hospital site and agree focused and timebound requirements to resolve outstanding issues.

Failure to achieve compliance with the provisions of a Directive can result in significant financial penalties, including periodic penalties and lump sum payments, reflecting the seriousness of the infringement, the duration of the infringement and the Member State's ability to pay. While it is possible that fines may arise if compliance with the Directive is not achieved, the intention is that it will be achieved and in a timeframe that would rule out such fines.

It is recognised that achieving full compliance by end 2014 is a significant challenge and may require changes to service configuration in some instances. However, it must be achieved. The establishment of Hospital Groups and implementation of the principles set out in the Small Hospitals Framework will assist in this regard.