Colm Burke (Fine Gael)

The Taoiseach has made clear his position on extending an invitation to the Pope. An invitation will be made available once the appropriate indications are given to the Government.

Yesterday, we discussed medical matters and the prospect of allowing qualified individuals to open GP practices. More than one third of junior hospital doctors come from outside Ireland and 24% are from outside the European Union. We produce a number of medical graduates every year but the vast majority leave the country within three years of graduating. It would be appropriate to have a debate on whether someone who graduates from an Irish medical college should be obliged to work in hospitals in Ireland for a minimum period. We need a detailed debate on the matter. Providing medical training in universities is a major cost to the taxpayers who are entitled to some payback in that regard. It would be appropriate to have a debate with a Minister from the Department of Health or the Department of Education and Skills on whether they should be required to work in Ireland for three to four years after qualifying.