Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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603. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the progress of the working group headed by Professor Brian MacCraith, President of DCU to look at general practitioner recruitment issues; and if representations have been sought from the IMO, ICGP and NEG; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50342/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In July of this year I established a Working Group, chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, President of DCU, to carry out a Strategic Review of Medical Training and Career Structure. The Working Group will examine and make high-level recommendations relating to training and career pathways for doctors with a view to improving graduate retention in the public health system, planning for future service needs, and realising maximum benefit from investment in medical education and training.

In the course of its work, the Group will examine a range of issues including the pathway for training at every level from Intern to Specialist, and the potential for reducing the length of specialist training. It will also consider mentoring and career planning supports for medical graduates, as well as measures to improve the quality of the training experience. In examining these issues, the Working Group will take account of:

- the need to ensure quality, safe, patient-centred healthcare;

- developments in the clinical programmes and recent reports and recommendations relevant to patient safety;

- opportunities arising from the Health Reform Programme (for example, the development of hospital groups and the expansion of primary care services);

- the achievement of value for money for the State's investment in medical education and training;

- international good practice in regard to medical training and developments, including EU requirements.

I have requested an initial report from the Working Group by the end of November 2013, and a final report by the end of June 2014. In this context, I understand that the Working Group has had initial engagement with stakeholders including trainee doctors, the IMO, the Forum of Irish Postgraduate Medical Training Bodies, the Medical Council and the HSE. Engagement with stakeholders will continue throughout the process to prepare the final report.