Mr. Stephen Mulvany:

It is an issue. We know that up to 25% of GPs have indicated in a survey that they are considering going abroad. Young trained graduates - be they nurses or doctors - going abroad is something that always happens; in fact, we would encourage it. My son and his girlfriend, who is a doctor, are heading abroad shortly to spent a few years in Perth, Australia so it happens. The issue for us is removing the negative reasons people may consider that other than people who will travel anyway. We have recently concluded an agreement with the IMO on supports for non-consultant hospital doctors, which is a welcome step forward. As it is being implemented over the course of the year, that will address some of the issues that cohort of staff has put forward. It will not stop people from ever wanting to travel. The other piece is doing what we can to encourage them and make it easier for them to come back at the end of their training.

In terms of increases, the evidence is that salary is not the sole issue, even for those who might not otherwise leave, but presumably it is an issue. The recent consultant contract albeit it is going through a consultation process, does provide additional assistance in that regard in terms of overall salary and remuneration but that is going through a process of consideration by the relevant bodies, which we respect.