Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know, but I had to make the choice as to whether I should attend the committee, as did Senator Crown. I thought it was important to be here to discuss this issue as I had called for it to be debated by the committee and I thank the Chair and the committee for accommodating me.

Several issues arise in the context of junior doctors. What level of consultation is taking place currently between managers and junior doctors in hospitals with regard to the difficulties junior doctors have in individual hospitals in the context of working time and conditions? Is there any consultation taking place? In 2011, we had a major crisis when a situation arose where the HSE had to go to India and Pakistan to recruit junior doctors and I understand that well over 200 of those doctors came and got jobs here. Their two-year contracts will expire in July or December this year and I understand they will not be offered any job within the HSE once the two-year period is up, although they will have got used to the system here. Is that correct?

My office conducted a survey on the attitude of medical graduates graduating in June 2012 and some 65% of them indicated they would not be working in Irish hospitals after June 2013. Can the witnesses give us any indication of the number of those now working as interns who intend to stay working in the Irish health system? What percentage of them intend to stay? In the case of existing junior doctors, will a larger number of these be leaving in June and December this year in comparison with other years? Has the IMO any indication of whether the percentage of those who intend to leave has increased?

I understand there are some discussions taking place with regard to the recruitment of junior doctors from Pakistan and that this process will be different from the supervised division that operated in 2011. Has the HSE discussed that issue with the IMO and what rules will apply for these people? I raise this because I am concerned that we are prepared to engage with a foreign country on recruitment - I have no difficulty with regard to people from Pakistan and India working here - but do not seem prepared to sit down with educational institutions here and do the same. Does the same level of consultation take place with Irish educational institutions?

I understand there are over 4,000 junior doctors working in the Irish hospital system. Has the IMO any idea how many of these doctors are on six-month, 12-month, two-year or three-year contracts? When I put this question to the HSE, I was unable to get an answer. Does the IMO have that information? It would be helpful to this committee.