Ahern’s EU-wide doctor crisis denied

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern’s claim that difficulties in cutting junior hospital doctors’ working hours are being experienced “all over Europe” has been dismissed by an EU employment expert.

Antonia Mochan, European Commission spokeswoman for Employment and Social Affairs, said other member states are not experiencing anything like the Irish problems in implementing the European Working Time Directive (EWTD).

The EWTD, due to begin on August 1, will cut junior doctors’ hours from an average of 75 to 58 per week.

Speaking to RTÉ at the weekend, Mr Ahern said from talking to other European leaders, it was clear they too were not optimistic about meeting the implementation deadline.

“It’s the time span that it will take to implement, I think it’s almost impossible and this is what is felt all over Europe. It’s not an Irish position, it’s even bigger in other countries where you have more consultants,” Mr Ahern said.

However, Ms Mochan said: “I am not aware of any other EU countries where the implementation of the EWTD is as big an issue as it is in Ireland.” Ms Mochan warned Ireland could face penalties if it fails to inform the commission how it will implement the EWTD.

Meanwhile, Mr Ahern was accused of hypocrisy and of turning his back on the Hanly recommendations. Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and Labour leader Pat Rabbitte both claimed he refused to clarify what he meant when he told the FF Árd Fheis that 24-hour ‘medical cover’ would remain in smaller hospitals.

Mr Ahern was also challenged on his admission the Government’s promise to end waiting lists by May would not be achieved.