Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2014
383. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health his views regarding qualified medical doctors leaving the country following qualification; the incentives in place to encourage doctors to remain here on completion of their training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43949/14]
View answerIt is important that newly qualified doctors can be retained and measures are in train to support NCHD and consultant recruitment and retention. A Working Group was established and chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith of DCU, to carry out a strategic review of medical training and career structures last year. Under its terms of reference the Group made recommendations earlier this year aimed at improving the retention of medical graduates in the public health system and planning for future service needs. In April 2014 the Group submitted a report dealing with medical career structures and pathways following completion of specialist training. The Group submitted its final report in June and this dealt with workforce planning. My Department, in conjunction with relevant stakeholders, is pursuing implementation of the recommendations made by the Group to support retention of doctors following qualification.
One of the key recommendations was that the relevant parties commence a timetabled IR engagement of short duration to address the barrier caused by the variation in rates of remuneration that have emerged since 2012 between new entrant consultants and their established peers. My Department in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is giving consideration to the result of the IMO ballot rejecting recent LRC pay proposals.
