John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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1308. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that only a very limited number of intern jobs are available for medical students who have studied in Ireland; his plans to increase the number of intern positions available to help with understaffing of the health system; his views on whether such an increase in intern places would prevent newly qualified doctors from leaving to find work elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13912/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Over the past number of weeks, my Department and the HSE have been reviewing the option to increase the number of medical intern places for July 2021. 

I have announced an increase of 120 medical intern posts for July 2021. The increase in the number of intern places will be supported with accompanying increases in postgraduate training places, to ensure these doctors can avail of the next step in the training pathway following completion of an internship.

Over the next number of months, the HSE will be undertaking a formal review of the number of intern posts and postgraduate training positions to ensure the number of intern places are in line with future medical workforce planning requirements of the health service.  As part of this review the clinical sites where additional intern posts are most needed will be considered to ensure that the current configuration provides the most efficient and educationally appropriate model.