Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 735: To ask the Minister for Health the cost of recruiting doctors from overseas, including re-accommodation and transport costs; the numbers of doctors recruited; the number who sat and failed the professional assessment; the cost of relocating those doctors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8445/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The HSE's recent NCHD recruitment drive in India and Pakistan and the introduction of the Supervised Division registration process has resulted in almost 290 doctors commencing work in the Irish health service for the first time. Following examinations in August 2011 and registration in September 2011, 236 doctors took up duty. A further 49 took up duty on 9th January 2012 and it is anticipated that five remaining doctors will commence work shortly.

The costs associated with this recruitment process, up to November 2011, were €1.95m. Of this figure, refund of flight costs amounted to approximately €169,000. It should be noted that the reduction in the need for locum/agency medical staff as a result of the appointment of these doctors will result in savings well in excess of the amounts spent on the recruitment process and associated issues.

A total of 116 doctors sat the examinations for the Medical Supervised Division in November/December 2011 and 54 (47%) passed. The HSE had previously advised doctors that, if they passed the exam, it would continue supports until they were registered. Given that the Medical Council appeals process for the Supervised Division examination is likely to take some time, the doctors were also advised that if they failed the examination they should return home and pursue any appeal to their results, or application to sit a further Supervised Division examination, from there. I understand that the great majority of doctors who did not pass the Medical Council examination have now left Ireland.