Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. The working conditions, the process involved in becoming a specialist and the pay rates mean that many Irish-trained doctors go abroad. It is not enough for us to compare the pay rates in other EU countries, we must compare our pay rates with other English-speaking countries. The threatened industrial action by junior doctors further undermines the attractiveness of working in Irish hospitals. I am glad that has been suspended.

Does the Minister believe that Irish medical graduates deserve a fair deal and realistic working hours? I know he has responded on this point but does he think it is acceptable that two thirds of Irish-trained doctors are going abroad and will not work in Irish hospitals? That is an investment of about €50 million per year in doctors' education which is leaving the country. It undermines the health service. While our doctors are out there supporting other health systems around the world, we are bringing doctors in from other developing countries.

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