Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
1299. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if South Tipperary General Hospital is to lose ten of its current 19 intern doctors; if he will consider reversing the decision; his views on the way the failure to employ graduating doctors will lead to forced emigration; his views on the impact this will have on the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13878/21]
View answerOver the past number of weeks, my Department and the HSE have been reviewing the option to increase the number of medical intern places for July 2021.
I have announced an increase of 120 medical intern posts for July 2021. The increase in the number of intern places will be supported with accompanying increases in postgraduate training places, to ensure these doctors can avail of the next step in the training pathway following completion of an internship.
The six Intern Training Networks, that organise and oversee intern training in Ireland, are responsible for the allocation of intern posts within their particular networks. The networks have now been informed of the additional intern posts for July 2021 and will allocate the additional posts appropriately.
