The HSE has confirmed it is to make changes to the working conditions of non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) in order to help it make savings of €530 million this year.
Millions of euro in allowances paid to such doctors are expected to be withdrawn with immediate effect.
The HSE said that 'staggering' lunchbreaks and ceasing overtime payments for lunch breaks taken by doctors would save it in excess of €25 million a year. It said NCHDs were also provided with a significant number of additional allowances, including a 'living out' allowance of €3,360 per year and other allowances, which were "no longer sustainable".
The HSE said that in order to be compliant with EU and Irish law, it must now introduce shorter hours for doctors in training from August 1st 2009.
It said “new ways of working and new work patterns” were a key requirement in moving towards compliance with the European Working Time Directive and towards reducing “unnecessary expenditure”.
The HSE said the Irish Medical Organisation, which represents the doctors, had chosen not to accept an invitation to talks at the Labour Relations Commission today.
An IMO spokesman said, however, it had entered the discussions on NCHD working terms and conditions “in good faith” and that it was committed to ensuring that the LRC process is followed to a conclusion.
“That process is ongoing and is not exhausted by any means.”
“While the HSE may wish to refer mattters to the Labour Court, the IMO’s NCHD Committee will decide about referral and or an arbitration process when the LRC discussions are complete.
“The IMO continues to rely on the tried and tested procedures of the Labour Relations Commission to seek a resolution of differences with the HSE. Until that process is exhausted, it would be unreasonable to end it by referral to the Labour Court/Arbitration Process which, given the circumstances, has not yet been fully considered by the IMO.”