The European Commission has failed in a bid to have Ireland fined for its working hours for junior doctors.

European Union officials claim Ireland has failed to implement the Working Time Directive, by asking junior doctors to work shifts that sometimes extend to over 24 hours.

But the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has rejected the bid because the Commission has not provided enough evidence to show Ireland is in breach.

It also says Ireland has put forward arguments to explain that junior doctors must face irregular and challenging shifts in order to maintain staffing levels in the health service.

A European Union directive means junior doctors 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.

It has been reported that if we are found to be in breach of the directive, Ireland could have been fined more €100m.