Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 February 2018
342. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to propose income tax reliefs for medical school graduates in respect of loans they obtained to cover their tuition; his views on whether this would incentivise graduates to remain in the health sector; if he has spoken to the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5433/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs previously indicated, I do see merit in the suggestion that tuition loans taken out by graduate entry medical (GEM) graduates should qualify for tax-relief. However, tax relief is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance. I have made written proposals for the consideration of such tax-relief to the Minister for Finance previously. Unfortunately given the tight budgetary position, it has not been possible to address these proposals to date.
I am, of course, very conscious of the need to recruit and retain Irish trained doctors. There are, however, many other initiatives in place to support the recruitment and retention of doctors, and a number of these were set out in the recommendations contained in the MacCraith Report.
With regard to easing the financial burden facing GEM doctors, the Deputy will wish to know that increased pay rates for new-entrant consultants were introduced in 2015, with provision for the application of incremental credit, along with revised pay rates for NCHDs and new arrangement concerning the Living Out Allowance. Such new measures should contribute to improving the financial position of GEM doctors.
