Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 December 2020
299. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if he will increase the number of medical interns in 2020 in response to Covid-19 and to encourage more graduates to stay in Ireland to train as doctors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43723/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, there was an urgent need to expand the healthcare workforce. This was done through a variety of measures, including the increase of the number of medical interns. 734 medical intern posts are traditionally available in Ireland each year. Due to the exceptional circumstances arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, 992 medical intern places were made available for the 2020/2021 intake. Through the Winter Plan and National Service Plan for 2021, there is a comprehensive resourcing strategy to permanently expand the health service workforce by 15,838 whole-time equivalents. There is a variety of recruitment strategies and campaigns planned. Currently, it is not envisioned that additional medical interns will be required, but this option remains open to the Health Service Executive should they require it. Naturally I would encourage more medical graduates to stay in Ireland, and to continue their training here. The significant increase in intern numbers put in place in 2020 was a direct response to the COVID-19 crisis. For July 2021, it is considered likely that there will be available a sufficient number of Basic Specialist Training (BST) posts to accommodate the additional doctors (subject to their suitability), who will be completing their internships in that month, and who will wish to apply directly to a BST programme. I hope that these doctors will stay and train in Ireland, and contribute to the forthcoming exciting opportunities in the Irish health system, as it develops in line with the Sláintecare reform programme.
