Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2019
436. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that new medical entrants to the HSE are required to work unpaid induction periods; his views on whether this is a barrier to the recruitment and retention of essential medical staff here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29629/19]
View answerThe Government is committed to addressing factors that impact negatively on the recruitment and retention of medical staff. The issue of unpaid induction periods for medical interns raised by the Deputy had been highlighted in consultation meetings the MacCraith Implementation Monitoring Group holds with the IMO and Forum Trainees. I am pleased to say that agreement has now been reached that interns, including those commencing employment this month, are to receive five days additional pay in respect of attendance for induction.
