Dr. Pádraig McGarry:

With regard to retention, the question is whether to take the carrot or stick approach. In regard to general practice, a good percentage of those who complete graduate entry medicine tend to go towards general practice, and those groupings tend to bring a considerable loan with them after they qualify. Unfortunately, the terms and conditions do not offer the realistic ability to repay debts in a timely fashion so they tend to go abroad to try to mitigate that. We have suggested for those groupings which have taken on board such loans to get through medicine, and who enter into general practice, that perhaps some sort of tax rebate could be considered because they would then stay in the country, earn money in the country and provide the service. Carrot or stick - the question is which way to do it.

Unfortunately, as we all know, and we do not have to reiterate over and over again, it is not a great environment to work in. This is a legacy issue and it will take time to wash out. However, if we can provide some incentives for people to stay, rather than trying to press-gang them into staying, we might get a better return.