Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 February 2013
220. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that there are enough graduate intern positions for all graduate doctors in July 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9287/13]
View answer221. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if there is going to be a shortage of intern places for both EU and non-EU graduates of Irish medical schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9289/13]
View answer222. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of intern places available for medical graduates in any given year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9290/13]
View answer227. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a full report on the implementation of the recommendations of the Fottrell Report, NCMET report and the Second Interim Report on the Implementation of the Reform of the Intern Year where an increase in intern posts was advised as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9303/13]
View answer228. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if a solution to the lack of intern places for medical school graduates will be implemented before the beginning of the intern year on 8 July 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9304/13]
View answer235. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the shortfall in intern posts for the new medical doctors graduating in two to three months time; his plans for the doctors who do not get an internship in view of the fact that the registration requirements dictate they must complete a one year internship programme which must be completed within two years of graduation or they will not be allowed to practice medicine here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9343/13]
View answer246. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to ensure that adequate intern places will be available to accommodate all graduates from Irish medical schools, who will graduate this year, and wish to get an internship here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9399/13]
View answer247. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his views on whether it is important that graduates of Irish medical schools are given an opportunity to use their medical skills here by working in Irish hospitals thus providing a return to the taxpayer for the investment in their education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9400/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 220 to 222, inclusive, 227, 228, 235, 246 and 247 together.
The Report of the Undergraduate Medical Education and Training Group (Fottrell - 2006) recommended a number of reforms in basic medical education including a significant increase in medical school intake for Irish/EU students, on a phased basis. While my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, has lead responsibility in implementing the Fottrell recommendations, the increased intake will result in a requirement for additional intern places for graduates in the health service. Of course it is important that these graduates are given an opportunity to work in Irish hospitals. Accordingly, 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 National Committee on Medical Education and Training on the Intern Year. This Group has issued two Reports, the most recent, the Second Interim Report, in April 2012.
The intern year is an integral part of medical training and a medical practitioner cannot be fully accredited without it. Under the provisions of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 it is a matter for the HSE to assess, on an annual basis, the number of intern training posts required by the health service. There were 572 such 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 is in regular contact with the HSE in relation to the issue of intern places with the aim, in so far as is possible, of providing a sufficient number of intern places for Irish/EU graduates from Irish medical schools. It should be noted that 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; meet 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.
The HSE will have approximately 80 additional posts available for interns commencing their training in July 2013. In total there will be in the region of 650 places available for 2013 and the HSE consider that there will be sufficient capacity and funding to ensure that every EU graduate of the six Irish medical schools can access an internship.
