Medical school bid to impact politically

THE forthcoming decision on the location of a new graduate entry medical school could have major implications for Health Minister of State Tim O’Malley.

The University of Limerick (UL) has insisted it has all the credentials to take on the new medical graduate entry course, which will offer up to 250 places to graduates who already hold third-level qualifications over the next five years. And junior health minister Tim O’Malley has pledged his support to the UL bid.

But the decision as to which third level institution should host the new medical school, due to be made next month, could have significant implications for the Limerick-based junior minister in the forthcoming general election.