HEALTH Minister Stephen Donnelly has told Independent Limerick TD Richard O’Donoghue that a system will be put in place to help Ukrainian doctors and other medical professionals to work in Ireland.
It has been reported in recent months that the Irish health system could miss out on highly sought-after medical skills to other EU countries unless the process of recognising their credentials is simplified.
Speaking in the Dáil last week, Deputy O’Donoghue asked if trained medics from the Ukrainian community could be allowed to practise in centres around the country given there is a GP shortage.
Minister Donnelly told him that the Health Service Executive and health regulators were actively examining ways to allow Ukrainian health professionals to work in the State.
“The regulators fully recognise the importance of assisting health practitioners arriving in the State and have been actively examining the measures that might need to be taken to further support Ukrainian health professionals in Ireland,” he said.
He added that the Medical Council was also actively examining “measures required to assist Ukrainian doctors in Ireland with the registration process”.
“My department, along with the Medical Council and the HSE will continue to ensure that all avenues are being explored with a view to enabling Ukrainian qualified doctors to apply for registration, always conscious of the need to ensure that patient safety is to the fore of any decisions regarding registration.”
More than 10,000 Ukrainian refugees are currently in employment in Ireland, with the largest number in the hospitality and accommodation sector.
