Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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164. To ask the Minister for Health the extent to which issues surrounding the reason young doctors on qualification find it more attractive to work abroad, thereby creating a shortage of junior hospital doctors; if arrangements can be made, or agreement entered into, in order to ensure an adequate supply of junior hospital doctors in this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15146/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The recruitment and retention of doctors at all levels – from undergraduate to specialist - is critical to the effective functioning of the public health system. In this context, the implementation of the recommendations of the 2014 Strategic Review of Medical Training and Career Structure is a priority for me as Minister for Health.

The Strategic Review, chaired by Prof. Brian MacCraith, President, DCU, made 25 recommendations addressing a range of barriers and issues relating to the recruitment and retention of doctors in the Irish health system, including medical career opportunities, working conditions, and flexible working for trainees and specialists alike. The Review also addressed the need to improve career planning and enhance mentoring/training supports for trainee doctors.

I recently received the first progress report on the implementation of the recommendations, and am pleased to note that there has been a range of developments which will, I believe, help us recruit and retain doctors – including newly qualified doctors – in our health system.

On foot of the Strategic Review Group’s recommendations regarding consultant career structures, associated LRC proposals for increased pay for new Consultants were recently supported by IMO members and are being implemented by the HSE.

To support implementation of the recommendations of the Strategic Review Group, my Department has established a Monitoring Group, comprising key stakeholders including trainee doctors. This will help us drive implementation across the system and embed the recommendations in the day-to-day business practice of the health system.