Medical Graduates

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2011

Tuesday, 11 October 2011

Questions (484)

Seán Kenny

Question:

513 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of doctors that have qualified on an annual basis in each of the past five years and to date in 2011. [28731/11]

Written answers

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

The number of medical school graduates for each of the years 2006 to 2010 is set out in the following table. Data for 2011 is not yet available.

Number of Graduates from Medical Schools 2006 to 2010

Graduation Year	Number
2006	640
2007	725
2008	680
2009	693
2010	780

Source: Higher Education Authority

Graduates from medical schools in Ireland must successfully complete 12 months clinical training (internship) in order to practise medicine. With effect from 1 June 2011 the Medical Council is responsible for granting Certificates of Experience to those who successfully complete their internship. Prior to this responsibility lay with the individual medical schools. The Medical Council has indicated that 511 doctors were granted Certificates of Experience in July 2011.