Mary Henry (Independent)

The Hanly report, which is not yet an historical document, recommended that 600 to 700 doctors should qualify in this country every year to supply our needs. Young students are sitting the leaving certificate at present. We know that approximately 3,000 of these have applied for the 300 medical places which will be available. It would be nice to see at least some part of the Hanly report implemented.

Will the Minister for Education and Science come to the House to discuss the issue which I have raised previously? At the stroke of a pen, by giving resources to the medical schools, the 600 to 700 doctors required could be qualified within six years, but no effort is being made to do anything. I do not know if the Minister for Education and Science and the Minister for Health and Children ever discuss the issue. In the autumn we will have the usual moaning and groaning about the points level but no effort will be made in the interim to do something about one part of the Hanly report on which we were all agreed.