Vol. 525 No. 2
152 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps he will take to ensure that the planned recruitment drive for doctors in India and Pakistan does not lead to even greater shortage of doctors in these countries, particularly having regard to their own need for doctors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24535/00]
The purpose of the visit to India and Pakistan was to recruit a small number of doctors in the specialty of anaesthetics for training posts in Ireland and to promote Ireland as a destination for further training for doctors who are seeking to improve their training and who, by and large, already go abroad to countries like Ireland for higher qualifications.
Traditionally, one third of NCHDs working in Ireland have come from abroad, many of these from the Indian subcontinent. Indian and Pakistani doctors have been coming to Ireland for further training for 30 to 40 years. In recent times this pool of doctors has reduced considerably and accordingly a more proactive approach has been taken in order to restore the balance.
The Irish delegation were impressed with the calibre of candidates. There was no hesitation in recommending some of the candidates for positions in Ireland provided that registration and visa regulations can be complied with.
The delegation met the respective Society of Anaesthesiologists from both India and Pakistan. The Society of Anaesthesiologists in the two countries were very supportive of our endeavours on the basis that there were mutual benefits for all concerned. They would support the establishment of more formal links with Ireland, to encourage their doctors to attain higher medical training in Ireland and having achieved higher qualifications, to return home to their own countries.
Question No. 153 taken with Question No. 146.
