Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The issues raised in the representation are outside the remit of the HSE. Professional exams are not managed by the HSE. Recruitment to postgraduate training programmes fall under the remit of the postgraduate training bodies.

The number of medical intern places has increased by 120 since 2019 to 854, providing more opportunities to all medical school graduates. In relation to the July 2022/3 intern year, all eligible candidates who applied were offered an intern post for the July 2022 training year.

We have been informed by the HSE that the Medical Schools inform international medical students prior to enrolling that intern places are not part of the undergraduate curriculum. Potential students are also informed that while internship is the first step in postgraduate training, the intern posts are employment posts and completion of the medical degree in Ireland does not guarantee an employment post with the HSE.

Changes to the Medical Practitioners Act implemented in 2020 have removed the barrier of the requirement for a recognised internship to apply for postgraduate training programmes. Following this amendment, a number of doctors are now eligible to apply to postgraduate training programmes where previously they were not.

Changes to the application of EEA community preference for the allocation to postgraduate training programmes were agreed in Autumn 2021. This change has meant that, following competitive interview, appointable candidates who hold a Stamp 4, along with EEA candidates, will be allocated training in the positions in the first instance following competitive interview.

Selection criteria for postgraduate training programmes, including eligibility and shortlisting criteria, are published on the relevant training body website in advance of the opening of schemes applications (including weighting for various elements of the selection process and marking system for the various elements of the selection process described). Training bodies provide interview feedback to facilitate feedback to applicants to national training programmes.

All postgraduate training bodies are required to apply the principles of the Code of Practice for Appointment to Positions in the Civil Service and Public Service. The Code sets out the principles to be observed in respect of both external and internal appointments to positions in the Health Service Executive. The code is available at www.cpsa.ie/en/Codes-of-Practice/

The average growth rate per year over the last five years of the total number of Training NCHDs is 5.5%. This equates to 24% more NCHDs in training (including interns) in 2021 compared to 2017. Continued growth for the postgraduate training programmes is planned which will provide more opportunities for all doctors.

It is also worth noting the Forum of Irish Postgraduate Medical Training Body postgraduate training strategy specifically outlines a key focus over the duration of this Strategic Framework will be the enhancement of organisational enablers to support diversity, inclusion and equity within postgraduate training with the objective to design, develop and implement a Forum Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for Training. Further information can be found at www.theforum.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Strategy-22-10.pdf

Further information on the HSE equality, diversity and inclusion policies can be found at: healthservice.hse.ie/staff/procedures-guidelines/diversity-equality-and-inclusion/

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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595. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to reports that Ireland is a laggard in the European Union for the numbers of diseases tested in the newborn heel-prick test; the steps that he is taking to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61938/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population. The expansion of the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening (NBS) Programme is a priority for me.

I am aware of how difficult it is for parents whose children have received a diagnosis of a rare disease, and how challenging daily life can be for them, their families and their children. Advances in technology and treatments for many of these rare but serious conditions are continually emerging, which is very welcome for the families and carers of these children.

Decisions about changes to our national screening programmes, such as the NBS Programme, will be made on the advice of our National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This independent expert group considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms. As you will appreciate, these are lengthy and complex processes.

The Committee's first Annual Call in 2021 for proposals for new screening programmes or changes to our existing programmes, received a significant response with over 50 submissions received. Submissions were received from various sources, including members of the public and patient advocates, and have been undergoing consideration by the committee at its scheduled meetings during 2022. The Committee recently published its work programme on its website, and launched its next Annual Call.

Significant progress has been made by the Committee in the past 18 months. Most notably, the NBS Programme was expanded earlier this year and now screens for nine conditions following a recommendation from the NSAC to add ADA-SCID to the Programme.

A number of newborn conditions are undergoing active consideration by the NSAC, and a recommendation regarding further expansion is expected before the end of 2022. The final report from HIQA on its Health Technology Assessment (HTA) for the addition of a tenth condition (SCID), was recently presented to the NSAC at its December meeting. The expansion of newborn bloodspot screening is being continually reviewed across Europe where the number of conditions screened for varies significantly. For example, the UK currently screens for a similar number of conditions (nine) as Ireland.

I look forward to receiving further recommendations from the Committee shortly, and I wish to assure you that I remain committed to the further expansion of screening in Ireland in accordance with internationally accepted criteria and best practice.