James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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1534. To ask the Minister for Health if he will report on the reduction in the number of doctors (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18158/21]

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

Following that review, I announced an increase of 120 medical intern posts for July 2021. This 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.

The six Intern Training Networks, that organise and oversee intern training in Ireland, are responsible for the allocation of intern posts within their particular networks. The networks have now been informed of the additional intern posts for July 2021 and will allocate the additional posts appropriately.