Vol. 572 No. 3
346 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that locum doctors from outside the EU are receiving work permits via the Midland Health Board while Irish general practitioners were available for such work; his views on whether it is ethical to recruit medical personal from African countries whose need for such qualified persons is so much greater; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22858/03]
Vacancies for GMS posts are advertised in the national and medical newspapers and applications invited from suitably qualified persons. Applicants, whether from this or another jurisdiction, must satisfy the provisions of an EU directive in order to be considered for such posts. Arrangements for the recruitment of suitably qualified general practitioners to fill vacant GMS posts are for the chief executive officers of the relevant health boards to make, having regard to the qualification and other provisions of the GMS contract. Accordingly, this particular case was referred to the Midland Health Board for investigation. I have been informed that while there are rare occasions when the board may temporarily take over responsibility for the management of a GP's GMS panel list, due to the unplanned resignation-retirement of a GP, the board makes every effort where practicable to appoint a suitable Irish doctor to the position.
