Minister backs calls for extra places in medical courses

Education Minister Mary Hanafin has backed calls for a significant increase in the number of places available on medical courses in Irish universities.

Reports this morning said the minister conceded last night that there was a clear need to expand the number of medical places from its current level of just over 300.

However, she said any decision on the matter would have to be taken in consultation with Minister for Health Mary Harney.

Ms Hanafin's comments follow another increase in the points needed for medical training courses, with 590 now needed to study medicine at Trinity College Dublin.

A recent report from an expert group appointed by the Government has recommended that the number of medical training places be increased from 308 to 725 in order to meet future needs.