Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Nov 1991

Vol. 413 No. 3

Written Answers. - Emigration of Medical Graduates.

Bernard Allen

Question:

67 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if she will make a statement on a recent media report (details supplied) that more than three-quarters of our newly qualified graduate doctors emigrate each year despite the fact that Ireland has the lowest ratio of doctors per head of population in western Europe.

Minister for Health (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I am aware of the media article to which the Deputy refers but I have not seen the report to which it relates.

It would be erroneous to assume that medical graduates who emigrate do so because they are dissatisfied with career opportunities here. There has been a longstanding tradition of young Irish doctors going abroad to centres of excellence to gain valuable experience and hone their skills. The vast majority of these return home in due course to take up senior posts.

There is a number of manpower issues alluded to in the article which, I accept, need to be addressed in the context of a structured medical manpower planning exercise. Such an exercise was initiated by my predecessor shortly before he left office and an expert group under the chairmanship of the chief medical officer of my Department have recently commenced work on the matter. All of the issues referred to in the media article together with some others are being fully taken into account by the expert group. I look forward to receiving their report and recommendations as soon as possible.