Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Given the projected demand for graduates from medical schools over the medium term, my Department has been exploring all options to increase the number of medical places for Irish students across the island.

In July 2022, I, along with Minister Donnelly received Government approval to progress work to secure places for Irish students in medical schools in Northern Ireland with the eligibility to apply for an internship in the HSE on graduation.

My officials have been working closely with the institutions in the North and the Department of Health and Economy, Northern Ireland over the last 18 months, to develop a proposal which would lead to more medical places for Irish students in the North and increase the pool of Irish medical graduates, educated on the island who would be eligible to apply to work in the HSE.

The final details of the proposal are still being worked through. As such, I am not in a position to expand on arrangements related to the proposal. I do expect however to be making a positive announcement within a few weeks with relevant information being made publicly available at that time.