Warning of shortage of doctors

The Labour Party is expressing concern about the low numbers of students from the Republic taking up courses in our five medical schools.

Spokesperson on Health Liz McManus says during the current year less than half the 654 places on offer for medicine were taken up by domestic students.

She claims the country has already been hit by a shortage of nurses and this will now be followed by a shortage of doctors.

Deputy McManus argues that there is a danger of complacency in presuming that the total number of places are going to ensure a sufficient number of doctors working in Ireland.

The Labour TD says the Minister for Health must work together with the Minister for Education to ensure sufficient places are set aside in their courses to fill job vacancies here.