James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

No, I insist on finishing this. The visas that were given to non-national non-consultant hospital doctors used to extend for two years, which allowed them to come to Ireland. They constitute the backbone of the health service and the hospital system. However, this period now has been reduced to six months and they are being charged €800 every time they apply. If ever there was a development designed to send these people out of this country, where they are badly needed, this is it.

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