Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like, on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, to take this opportunity to outline to the House the current position on this issue.

Given the very significant difficulties the HSE faced in 2010 recruiting suitably qualified and experienced doctors, the executive commenced an overseas recruitment campaign in India and Pakistan. This process was aimed at addressing shortages due to arise with the changeover of non-consultant hospital doctors, NCHDs, in July 2011.

The key requirement for doctors to begin employment with the HSE is registration with the Medical Council. Urgent amendments to the Medical Practitioners Act were enacted in 2011 to create a new supervised division of the register. This provided a safe, effective registration process for a two year period for doctors recruited from abroad.

This recruitment process and the introduction of the supervised division resulted in almost 290 doctors working in the Irish health service for the first time. Candidates were fully informed of the conditions of recruitment. For most candidates, the two year period in the supervised division is coming to an end. The only option open to doctors wishing to continue employment in Ireland is to apply to either the general or trainee specialist divisions. The choice of division will depend on individual qualifications and experience.

Doctors in the supervised division only practise medicine in the post to which they have been proposed and under strict supervisory arrangements. Registration in the general division involves clinical assessments to ensure the practitioner is fit to practise in a range of positions. Transferring from the supervised division involves undergoing the pre-registration examination system, PRES, which is designed to ensure doctors demonstrate competence in a general scope of practice. This is a critical measure to protect the public.

The NCHDs may also seek registration in the trainee specialist division provided relevant criteria are met. These include access to a recognised training post, holding a document which is equivalent to a certificate of experience, and being successful at the PRES unless exemption criteria pertain.

The HSE contacted doctors in relation to the process for transfer in November 2012. This process was also outlined to representatives of this cohort at a meeting on 8 March by the Department of Health, the HSE and the Medical Council. The Medical Council has received and processed applications for some doctors. The remaining doctors have not yet provided necessary documents and information to the council to progress their applications. Doctors who have received final communication from the Medical Council regarding outstanding documents and information have until 2 April to do so.

For doctors not wishing to remain within the Irish health sector, the HSE has confirmed that the president of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan indicated his willingness to discuss with them the possibility of returning to jobs in Pakistan, recognising their time spent in Ireland. The HSE will assist those who wish to explore this option. For doctors returning to India, the HSE will also assist by providing references and further information on the time spent here in Ireland.

I acknowledge the important contribution to the Irish health care system made by these doctors over the past two years.

While every effort will continue to be made to facilitate movement to the general division in a timely manner, the HSE must have sufficient NCHD cover in July in our hospitals. Contingency arrangements are in place by the HSE to ensure continued safe and timely treatment for patients.