200 doctors working 24-hour shifts in Irish hospitals

More than 200 doctors in Irish hospitals are still working shifts of more than 24 hours, contrary to the EU rules that were due to be phased in from 2000, the European Court of Justice heard.

In a case that has dragged on for five years, the European Commission finally took the Irish State to court over hospital doctors working shifts as long as 36 hours and more than 100 hours a week, and not getting minimum rest periods.

Lawyers from both sides provided legal arguments during the hearing that lasted less than 90 minutes at the court in Luxembourg, and were told that they can expect a first legal opinion in two weeks.