The European finding that Ireland is in breach of a directive on the working hours of junior doctors is being described as a 'wake up call' for the Government.
In a legal opinion published by the European Court of Justice, the Advocate General found that by excluding the training hours for non-consultant hospital doctors from "working time", Ireland was in breach of the directive.
It is not a final ruling but the opinion is likely to be upheld by the court.
A European Union directive means junior doctors they should not work more than 48 hours a week.
The Irish Medical Organistation estimates that 33% of junior doctors routinely work in excess of the 48 hour legal limit.
The European Commission has taken a case against Ireland to the European Court of Justice on the issue. The ruling will not be known until late June.
It has been reported that if we are found to be in breach of the directive, Ireland could be fined more €100m.
Speaking to Newstalk Lunchtime, Eric Young from the IMO says this directive needs to be implemented urgently in the interest of doctors and their patients:
Originally posted at 11.22am
