I 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.