Eamonn Maloney (Dublin South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As a member of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, I endeavour to take an extra interest in such issues. I refer specifically to the research published today in the online journal, Human Resources for Health, and which was overseen by NUI Galway. Some might describe the evidence presented in the study as alarming and some as shocking. A total of 2,273 medical students were surveyed, of whom 1,519, or 67%, were classified as Irish medical students, having completed secondary school in Ireland. The remaining 33% were non-Irish. What is of concern are the figures showing that 90% of the medical students "may" leave this jurisdiction having completed their medical education. Like all politicians, I have some scepticism in that, if we were to rule our lives on the basis of such studies, we would not move too far. Notwithstanding that, if the figure is anything near to 90%, by any yardstick, it would be a matter of concern for us all, including the Minister, Deputy Varadkar.

I am reminded that the taxpayer paid approximately €75 million last year for those engaged in medical education. In the lifetime of a medical course, the cost to the taxpayer is €125,000 per student. I am not suggesting in any way that we should intern them or nail them down but, given the difficulties in the health system and the lack of funding as a result of the country being destroyed, we must examine this issue.

Is the situation as bad as is portrayed in the study or is it more optimistic? If it is not, what is the Minister's advice for rectifying the situation? When I heard the Minister speak recently in the House, he told us about the lack of anaesthetists and the difficulties over pay, and the fact they will not stay because their experience is more extensive than just being qualified as a doctor. Is the situation as bad as is portrayed in the study?

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