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Graduate Medicine Programme Places

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 February 2013

Thursday, 14 February 2013

Questions (315, 325, 327, 328, 335)

Michael Lowry

Question:

315. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the looming problems regarding a shortage of medical intern places (details supplied); the steps being taken to tackle this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7781/13]

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John Lyons

Question:

325. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Health the number of intern places available to medical students here next year; if the number of places available will accommodate all medical students applying in view the importance of the intern year and the costs of medical school fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7851/13]

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Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

327. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health his plans to deal with the issue of a lack of an adequate number of places for medical school graduates to undertake internships in hospitals here in order that graduates will be in line with the legal requirement of Irish medical schools that graduates have practised here; and if he will be providing for an adequate number of intern places to be made available during 2013 [7854/13]

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Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

328. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if, due to the increased number of medical school graduates this year, it is anticipated that in July 2013 that there will be a shortage of intern places for both EU and non EU graduates of Irish medical schools; the way he intends to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7856/13]

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Brendan Griffin

Question:

335. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that due to the increased number of medical school graduates this year it is anticipated that in July 2013 there will be a shortage of intern places for both EU and non EU graduates of medical schools here; his views on whether the current deficit of intern places to medical graduates has come about as a result of State funding of additional medical school places without the corresponding increase in intern places and that this has serious implications for the person involved and that furthermore, the State's investment in undergraduate medical education will be squandered due to these graduates being unable to obtain an intern position, as completing the intern year is a legal requirement in order for graduates of medical schools here to practice here; his plans to address the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7878/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 315, 325, 327, 328 and 335 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 Implementation 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.

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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