461. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if she will undertake a review of the current graduation system in Northern Ireland (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46465/26]

462. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if she will undertake a review of the current system of (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46466/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 461 and 462 together.

Medical workforce planning and ensuring an appropriate future supply of suitably qualified medical professionals in Ireland is a top priority for the Government.

Irish medical students who graduate from Northern Ireland are eligible to apply for internship in the HSE. Under the current application process, all eligible EU citizens and UK citizens who have applied for internship in Ireland in recent years have received an offer of internship. This allows Irish graduates from medical schools the opportunity to return to Ireland as doctors and, following successful completion of internship, continue specialty training in Ireland.

The number of internship posts has been permanently increased since 2021 with the establishment of 145 new intern places.

879 medical Intern posts were available in July 2025, representing an increase of 20% (145 places) in the number of intern posts available and filled since 2019. The number of medical intern places available for July 2026 has been increased by 4% to 915 intern places.

The Department and the HSE continue to keep the current internship policy under review to ensure that the policy continues to support the development and growth of the medical workforce.