Changes to working arrangements for non-EAA doctors will be positive for the health service – Burke

Changes to working arrangements and immigration permissions for non-EEA doctors and their spouses will be positive for the health service, according to Fine Gael TD Colm Burke.

Deputy Burke, Fine Gael’s Health Spokesperson in the Dáil, welcomed a decision by Government to give non-EEA doctors working here for more than two years immediate access to a Stamp 4 permit, in addition to work rights for their spouses.

Deputy Burke said, “Having raised this matter in the Dáil and liaised with key stakeholders for a number of months, I welcome today’s announcement by my colleague, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Leo Varadkar, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly.

“This change means that most non-EEA doctors in the State for more than two years with a General Employment Permit may apply for a new permission granting them the right to work without a permit.

“Their spouses or partners will also receive a permission allowing them to work. Currently these doctors must have been present and working in the State for five years to qualify.

“The rule changes will place less of an administrative burden on these professionals who make an enormous and invaluable contribution to our society and health service, which was particularly apparent in the last two years during the pandemic.

“It will also make it easier for them to get on specialist training schemes and subsequently apply for consultant posts. It would provide non-EEA doctors with more of an incentive to stay here long-term with their families and lead to a better retention of medical staff working within the health service.

“In December, the Department of Enterprise began issuing two-year multi-site general employment permits to doctors in the public health system.

“The Department of Justice is also announcing that these doctors will in future only need to renew their permission annually instead of every six months. The changes mean doctors can avail of an immigration permission that allows them to remain in the State and work without the need to apply for additional employment permits, in most cases.

“It is estimated that some 1,800 non-EEA doctors will benefit from the rule change, and it will reduce the number of times a doctor and their employer have to interact with multiple Government departments.

“These changes will be positive for the health service and will make working here less burdensome from an administrative perspective for non-EEA doctors and their families,” Deputy Burke said.