asked the Minister for Health (1) the number of qualified doctors who emigrated from Ireland during each of the years 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969, and how many of these were of Irish birth; and (2) the number of registered appointments in Irish hospitals which are held by doctors from outside the 26 Counties in Dublin hospitals and in hospitals outside of Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Emigration of Doctors.
3.
In regard to the first part of the question the information required is not available in my Department and it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to obtain it.
In regard to the second part of the question, information of this nature is not currently available or normally sought by my Department. I propose, however, as portion of a more general survey of the junior hospital doctor position, to seek information from all hospital authorities as to the situation on 1st August next when the position will have stabilised after the mid-year changes in personnel, and will inform the Deputy of the result of my inquiries.
Is the Minister aware that there is much unrest among newly qualified Irish doctors who find it difficult to obtain appointments in hospitals against competition from non-nationals? Is the Minister aware that, as a result, there is a high rate of emigration among junior Irish doctors?
That has always been the case. This matter will come under consideration when the regional hospital boards are set up and the entire position of consultants and other staffs in hospitals examined.