Sir, – I am one of the 1,850 non-EU doctors awaiting registration with the Irish Medical Council (“Overseas doctors hit by delays in Irish job applications”,February 10th).
I am an Australian dermatologist who underwent 11 years of rigorous training, and decided to move to Ireland with my husband, who is from Cork. There is a significant shortage of dermatologists in Ireland, with waiting lists up to 18 months for a consultation. This was illustrated by the temporary closure of the Temple Street Children’s Hospital dermatology department in Dublin last year.
I am so keen to work and contribute to the community that I am willing to do so on an unpaid, voluntary basis, yet I am unable to do so for at least six months until my application is processed. Instead I am teaching English with a volunteer organisation, which although worthwhile, is hardly the best use of my skills. I know of at least two other Australian medical specialists in Ireland who are currently not working in their field due to the backlog of applications.
The Irish Medical Council states that the delay is due to “robust vetting” of non-EU doctors, who may pose a safety threat to the community. Does the Irish community really believe that a “non-EU” Australian doctor requires more vetting than an EU doctor from, for example, Bulgaria? The real reason for the delay is an inefficient, bureaucratic and under-resourced system. In the meantime, waiting lists continue to grow, highly trained medical professionals twiddle their thumbs, and the Irish community fails to receive the health care it needs and deserves. – Yours, etc,
Dr ANN DEELY,
Douglas,
Co Cork.