Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 3

Written Answers. - Accident and Emergency Services.

Bernard Allen

Question:

190 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals he has to intervene where accident and emergency departments are facing closure from the summer because of a collapse in the number of non-consultant hospital doctors applying for jobs where it is reported that there has been a drop of 90% in applications from junior doctors and, in some cases, there are no candidates for interviews. [9555/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I have seen some of the reports referred to by the Deputy. This anticipated problem is due in part to more stringent pre-entry requirements imposed by the Medical Council. I recently met the council and discussed this issue with them. We have agreed to establish a liaison arrangement whereby the council and my Department can exchange information on these problems.