Paul Kehoe
Ceist:144. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health if Ukrainian doctors are able to access the non-EU GP training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8127/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 21 February 2024
Ceisteanna (144)
Freagraí scríofa
GP recruitment is ongoing under the joint HSE and ICGP non-EU GP Training Programme. 112 non-EU GPs were recruited last year under the training programme with 75 having started in GP practice at year end.
Detailed information on the programme, including information on the eligibility criteria for applicants, is available from the ICGP website. As per the eligibility criteria, the programme is open to doctors who have a general practice qualification from a jurisdiction that is not currently recognised as equivalent to criteria in Ireland, due to variances in the curricula and training duration in their country of origin. To be eligible for the programme an applicant must also have obtained their primary medical degree from a non-EU country. Determination as to the eligibility of any individual seeking to join the non-EU GP programme is made by the ICGP, which is the body responsible for the training of GPs in Ireland.
Under the programme, doctors work in general practice for a 2-year period following which they can take up an Irish GMS contract (the normal training period is four years). The programme targets the placement of GPs to rural areas and areas with lower levels of services provision. This will further increase capacity in general practice and access to services in these areas.
Following the programme’s success in 2023, funding has been made available for the planned recruitment of up to 250 more non-EU GPs this year.