Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I am a little concerned by the reply because of my own experience of dealing with the Medical Council. An Irish graduate who worked in an Irish hospital went to New Zealand for two years and when that person returned to Ireland and applied for registration, it took two months to get registered with the council. Even if applications are completed by 2 April, I am a little sceptical that the necessary processing will be done by the council by July. My understanding is the HSE has assigned an additional four people to the council to assist with registrations and I am concerned that this has been left to such a late date as 2 April. I would be surprised, having dealt with the council, if applications finalised on 2 April will be processed by end of June. I am seriously concerned about it.