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Medical Research and Training

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021

Wednesday, 15 September 2021

Questions (599, 610)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

599. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health when pre-registration examination system level 3 medical exams will recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43292/21]

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David Cullinane

Question:

610. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he has engaged with the Medical Council to ensure that PRES 3 candidates will be given an opportunity to sit their exams as soon as possible; his plans to allow PRES 3 candidates to obtain temporary registration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43332/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 599 and 610 together.

Doctors who have qualified in another jurisdiction and whose qualifications do not entitle them to automatic recognition are required to pass or be exempt from the Medical Council’s pre-registration exam, the PRES, which has two components -the PRES 2 which is a computer based exam and the PRES 3 which is primarily a test of clinical skills in the main clinical disciplines of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Psychiatry, Surgery, and Medicine/General Practice. The exam is in two parts, a written exam and an objective structured clinical examination to access the doctor's communication, interpretation and practical skills. These exams form an important part of the validation of qualifications and experience carried out by the Medical Council. They ensure that doctors applying for registration meet the required standards for registration in Ireland and are an important means of protecting patients.

The PRES 3 exams are hosted by the medical schools on behalf of the Medical Council. Due to the pandemic, the PRES 3 exams scheduled to take place in March 2020 were postponed and it has not been possible to reschedule the exams since. The Medical Council has had discussions with the medical schools to explore the possibility of running the PRES 3 exams but due to the pandemic and resulting public health restrictions, the medical schools did not feel they could safely host the exams for the Council. The Council is in regular contact with the Medical Schools and the matter is being followed up as a matter of urgency so as to be able to offer the PRES at the earliest opportunity. It is envisaged that a date for the exams will be confirmed in the very near future.

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