The medical schools of the three constituent universities of the National University of Ireland in Dublin, Cork and Galway, Trinity College Dublin and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland provide undergraduate medical training. There were 509 graduates from the five schools in 1999, the latest year for which such statistical information is readily available, broken down as follows: RCSI 149; TCD 82; NUIG 69; UCC 87 and UCD 122.
I am aware of the announcement of two new medical schools in the UK. In relation to our medical schools the position is that the annual intake to undergraduate medical programmes is the subject of a quota, which was introduced in 1980-81 following a report of the Higher Education Authority.
The question of reviewing the quota arrangement is under consideration. In this context, the Deputy may be aware the Government decided, in April this year, to establish a national task force on medical manpower. One of the three project groups, which will report to the steering group of the task force will specifically deal with medical education and training. This project group will look at developing structures for medical education, training and flexible working arrangements in the most effective and efficient way possible.
