HC Deb 18 May 2004 vol 421 cc938-9W
Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action will be taken against health trusts that fail to meet the European Working Time Directive targets by August. [173592]

Angela Smith

Further to my reply of 11 February 2004,Official Report, column 1519W, I can confirm that proposed action against employers who do not comply with the European Working Time Directive (EWTD), has not been indicated by the European Commission (EC) at this stage. The EC are currently considering responses to their public consultation on the implications of the Working Time Directive and subsequent legal rulings and action on failure to comply will only be determined after this.

However, the Department recognises the problems that will arise with the application of the full requirements of the EWTD and is working with HPSS employers and the BMA to ensure compliance.

Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which health trusts are compliant with the European Working Time Directive [173593]

Angela Smith

Trusts are currently undertaking a monitoring exercise, which is looking at junior doctors working patterns and rest requirements for both New Deal and European Working Time Directive (EWTD). Responses are due with the Department by early June and a clearer picture will emerge at that stage.

However, the previous monitoring data indicated that 91 per cent. of junior doctors overall were already working and being trained in less than 56 hours per week, and so were meeting the EWTD requirements for August 2004 in terms of average weekly number of hours worked.