Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 March 2025
250. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Health the procedures required to facilitate doctors from abroad, particularly Ukraine, to practice as GPs in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14376/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAny qualified doctors, including GPs, wishing to practise medicine in Ireland are required to first register with the Medical Council and the Council is obliged to ensure that all doctors it registers meet the necessary standards to practise medicine here.
Doctors from Ukraine, depending on their qualifications and experience, may apply for registration in the General, Specialist, or Supervised Division.
GPs seeking Specialist Registration undergo an evaluation of their training and experience.
Alternatively, doctors can seek registration in the General Division via the PRES route. In order to gain full registration, doctors must pass both a computer exam (known as the PRES 2) and a clinical skills exam (known as the PRES 3).
Officials from my Department, the HSE and the health profession regulators have been actively supporting doctors fleeing the war in Ukraine to gain registration and take up employment in Ireland. Following an initial assessment, it became clear that specialist English language training would be needed to enable doctors to meet the necessary standard. A number of other supports are also in place including online access to Continuing Professional Development resources while registration is pending and access to HSE training materials. My Department has made over €1m available for training and registration costs since 2022.
Officials from my Department will continue to engage with colleagues in the HSE and the Medical Council to assist Ukrainian doctors to gain registration and employment here.
