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Hospital Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 February 2013

Wednesday, 13 February 2013

Questions (207, 221, 222, 233, 234)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

207. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the actions he is taking to address concerns that there will be a shortage of medical intern places for both EU and non-EU graduates of Irish medical schools this year due to the increased number of students graduating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7601/13]

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Kevin Humphreys

Question:

221. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health the plans he has to increase the number of medical intern positions across hospitals here to take account of the increased number of medical undergraduates; if he will be bringing forward proposals for same shortly; if he will outline the actions that are being taken; if his attention has been drawn to the Second Interim Report on the Implementation of the Reform of the Intern Year which stated that maintaining the status quo seems least desirable in terms of lost educational investment, personal impact and loss of talent to the Irish health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7594/13]

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Willie Penrose

Question:

222. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to deal with the significant increase in the number of medical school graduates for 2013 such that is anticipated that in July 2013 there will be a shortage of intern places for both EU and Non-EU graduates at Irish medical schools; if steps are being taken to implement the recommendations for an increase in intern posts as set out in the NCCMET Report; if he will outline the plans if any which are in place to deal with this important issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7597/13]

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Seán Kyne

Question:

233. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm if the number of intern places for graduates of medical colleges here will be increasing in view of the fact that there has been an increase in the number of medical students in recent years in view of the immense benefit such intern places are to graduates for gaining valuable practical experience. [7669/13]

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Seamus Kirk

Question:

234. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health in view of the increase in medical students-graduates, if the shortage of medical intern placement has been bought to his attention, which will have serious implications for medical graduates in the immediate years going forward; if he will have the matter examined to increasing the number of places available for students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7709/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 207, 221, 222, 233 and 234 together.

The issue of an adequate number of intern places in the Irish medical system is a priority for my Department and for the HSE. The HSE established an Intern Implementation Group in 2009 to implement aspects of the Report of the NCMET on the Intern Year and I am aware that this Group has issued two Implementation Reports, most recently in April 2012 (Second Interim Report). The intern year is an integral part of medical training, and a medical practitioner cannot be fully accredited without it. There were 572 posts available in Ireland for the July 2012 intern intake, an increase of almost 70 posts since 2007. To date, there have been sufficient posts for all EU graduates from Irish medical schools, and a number of available posts for some non-EU applicants. My Department has been in regular contact with the HSE in relation to the issue of intern places, with the aim, in so far as is possible, to provide a sufficient number of intern places for Irish/EU graduates from Irish medical schools. In addition, under EU law, intern posts must be open to graduates from other EU countries and the HSE has no control over the numbers applying.

The application process for internships closed in November last, but the HSE will not know the final number of eligible applicants for some time. The final numbers that will proceed to the first round match have not yet been determined, as the overseas candidates must pass the entrance test, pass the HSE English language requirements, provide a Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate, and pass their final year medical exams. Candidates applying from within Ireland must provide a BLS certificate and pass their final year medical exams. This year the HSE will have approximately 80 additional posts available for interns commencing their training in July. In total, therefore, there will be in the region of 650 places available for 2013, and the HSE estimates that this will be sufficient to ensure that every EU graduate of the six Irish medical schools can access an internship.

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