Vol. 448 No. 2
69 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Health the number of NCHDs working in Irish hospitals that are male; the number of NCHDs working in Irish hospitals that are non-nationals; the plans, if any, he has to introduce an English language examination for non-national NCHDs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1790/95]
Limerick East): Statistics compiled by the Postgraduate Medical and Dental Board indicate that there are 2,451 non-consultant hospital doctor posts in public hospitals in Ireland, 1,546 of which are filled by male doctors. 880 non-nationals are employed as NCHDs in the public sector.
It is a matter for the Medical Council to satisfy itself as to the suitability for the practice of medicine of non-national doctors seeking registration. The council does not at present operate a language test as part of this procedure. I understand that the Medical Council is now giving serious consideration to the need for a language test in certain cases.
