Emer Currie (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for taking this Commencement matter. Not a week goes by now without us, as public representatives, hearing about shortages of GPs and the pressures on them. This is especially acute in areas where there are high numbers of Ukrainian people in crisis accommodation. We are all very aware of the unwelcome and unsavoury agitation by far-right individuals in communities.It makes sense that we respond to the shortages. More importantly, we must give an opportunity to Ukrainian people to be able to access Ukrainian doctors who understand the trauma they have experienced and understand what it is like to flee a war zone. It would also enable professional qualified doctors to work if they want. Work gives people purpose. It is an occupation. At the same time, we would never pressure anyone to do it given their experiences.

I am told there are approximately 400 doctors here from Ukraine. As non-EU doctors they need to pass an exam to show proficiency in medical English and they need to pass the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board, PLAB exam. This is the clinical test that must be passed to register with the Medical Council. Normally non-EU doctors do these exams before they come to Ireland. Of course, Ukrainian doctors have not had this opportunity. It can take two years to access these exams. The Medical Council has not fully adapted to this situation and the urgency and opportunity we face. A company runs the PLAB for the Medical Council. The exams take place twice at year. I am told there is no availability until November 2023. This is not a good situation.

Meanwhile, doctors are ready and desperate to work. They want to help. They want to be part of our front line to help Ukrainian people. I call on the Minister for Health to intervene and arrange emergency PLAB exams. The doctors can study for the English exams at the same time. I am told that 10% of the doctors can speak fluent medical English while others cannot. The supports are there if we match them to people to get this proficiency. The HSE is providing materials.

There is significant goodwill to support these doctors. I commend hospitals such as St. Vincent's, which have been running observerships. They take groups of 20 Ukrainian doctors for two weeks and allow them clinical oversight to see the procedures and methods used in Irish hospitals. This is bridging the gap proactively. This is what we need to see. We need intervention. The response of the Medical Council is detached from the reality of the war. Quite simply we need Ukrainian doctors for Ukrainian people.