Hospital Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021

Wednesday, 24 March 2021

Ceisteanna (1553)

Gino Kenny

Ceist:

1553. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he will take immediate action to reverse the decision to cut 300 intern doctor posts at a time when the greatest ever need exists for increased resources both during and post-Covid-19 and the pressure to clear unprecedented waiting lists; his views on whether this proposed reduction will leave 300 newly qualified doctors who have been educated to a world class standard with little option but to export their knowledge and skills at a time when they are urgently needed at home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14634/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Over the past number of weeks, my Department and the HSE have been reviewing the option to increase the number of medical intern places for July 2021. 

I have announced an increase of 120 medical intern posts for July 2021. The increase in the number of intern places will be supported with accompanying increases in postgraduate training places, to ensure these doctors can avail of the next step in the training pathway following completion of an internship.

Over the next number of months, the HSE will be undertaking a formal review of the number of intern posts and postgraduate training positions to ensure the number of intern places are in line with future medical workforce planning requirements of the health service.  As part of this review the clinical sites where additional intern posts are most needed will be considered to ensure that the current configuration provides the most efficient and educationally appropriate model.