Ivor Callely
Ceist:142 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if there is any language test for non-national doctors who come to work in Ireland; if other countries have any such language tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Language Test for Doctors.
It is a matter for the Medical Council to satisfy itself as to the suitability for the practice of medicine of non-national doctors seeking registration.
The council does not at present operate a language test as part of this procedure. The council's United Kingdom counterpart, the General Medical Council, has had a language ability test in place for some years.
I understand that the Medical Council is now giving serious consideration to the need for a language test in certain cases.