Mr. Robert Watt:

As we all know, a large percentage of the medical and nursing cohort in Ireland are educated abroad. Obviously, we are delighted that these highly trained and skilled professionals are happy to come to Ireland, but they are moving from countries that have healthcare needs, including emerging ones. There has been a very clear view in the Department for some time that we have not been investing enough in training and providing opportunities to our own and other EU citizens to train in all the various disciplines. Ms Kenna has been working intensively with her team to accelerate the number of places available, working with the Higher Education Authority and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

We are also considering proposals on a new medical school. A proposal for a new medical school has come to us from Technological University Dublin and we are looking upon it very favourably. That is a positive development.