Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I spoke earlier about the number of locums working in general practice. I understand that the Irish College of General Practitioners, in conjunction with the HSE, recently published an advertisement seeking expressions of interest from practitioners who would like to qualify to be on the specialist register. The Irish Medical Council requires doctors to be on the specialist register in order to work as general practitioners. I understand that 219 people have responded to the advertisement, which is very satisfactory. If the number of general practitioner training places, which is approximately 120 at present, can be increased by a further 219, that would be very welcome indeed. I accept that the people in question are currently working in general practice. However, they are not in a position to hold general practice registration with the Irish Medical Council.

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