Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 February 2014
264. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which junior hospital doctors, on graduation, are likely to become available throughout the health service in the coming year; the extent, if any, to which this will differ from previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7376/14]
View answerUnder the provisions of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 it is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) to assess, on an annual basis, the number of intern training posts required by the health service. 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. In the past two years the HSE has embarked on a process of expanding the number of posts to meet the demand of the growing number of graduates from Irish Medical Schools. In 2012 the number of Intern posts available was 572, and in 2013 this increased to 640 positions. It is expected that in July this year the HSE will have 680 positions available. The additional Intern posts are created in a budget neutral fashion and are located throughout the country. HSE recruitment for the July 2014 Medical Intern intake is a two stage process, which began, with online applications, in October 2013. Stage 2 of the recruitment process will begin on 28 February 2014.
