Doctors remain opposed to Croke Park II

The Irish Medical Organisation has reaffirmed its opposition to Croke Park II, but said industrial action as an option would be a last resort.

The 5,000-member doctors’ union also made it clear at the weekend that it will not be bound by an aggregate yes vote by the ICTU’s Public Services Committee on April 17, and will not regard it as a collective agreement.

“We are adamant these proposals [Croke Park II] are not good for the public sector or private sector workers, and they will do nothing to start growth in the economy,’’ said IMO assistant director of industrial relations Shirley Coulter. “We will do everything to ensure these proposals are not implemented.”

The IMO is to have a meeting this week with representatives of other unions opposed to Croke Park, including CPSU, IMO, and Unite.

At its AGM yesterday, the IMO also warned that non-consultant hospital doctors are at breaking point because of excessive working hours.

IMO interim executive director Niall Saul said the doctors’ working hours posed a danger to both patients and doctors.

“A sense of responsibility by these doctors is the only thing preventing a breakdown in the hospital system,’’ he said.

“The Government is continuing to breach legal requirements. This must come to a head at some stage. We are reaching breaking point.’’

Mr Saul said the doctors had no choice but to work so as to deliver services. There could be fatal consequences, however, because of the long working hours, he said.