asked the Minister for Health the total number of doctors at present practising in Ireland; and the number of doctors who graduated from Irish medical schools in each of the last five years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Profession.
13.
The census of population for 1966—the latest available— shows that 3,011 persons described themselves for the purposes of that census as physicians and surgeons.
The total out-turn of medical graduates for each of the last five years from the five medical schools i.e. the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland; University College, Cork; University College, Dublin; Dublin University and University College, Galway is as follows:
|
1964 |
233 |
|
1965 |
265 |
|
1966 |
320 |
|
1967 |
298 |
|
1968 |
364 |
Would the Minister be able to confirm or deny that about half of our annual out-turn of medical graduates emigrate very soon after graduation? If this is the case, is it a matter which gives him concern?
That is a separate question.
It is a separate question. However, a high proportion of the graduates that have been indicated— about 40 per cent—are foreigners coming here. We have had a great tradition of teaching foreigners the art of medicine. It is a long tradition. While there might be some modification in it. it is not one that would be or should be easily changed. Our estimate of requirements of new doctors is one hundred per annum. In the five years under question the numbers of Irish doctors qualifying amounted to approximately 850 or approximately 70 per annum more than our estimated requirements. We have always had a medical tradition. The Deputy may be aware that there are parts of the world, including parts of England, where the entire medical service would collapse but for Irish doctors and nurses.
Do 40 per cent of our medical graduates come from abroad?
Yes.