File photographOne in five doctors on the Irish register were working abroad or not practising last year, according to new data from the regulator. A report from the Medical Council, published on Friday, showed that in 2024, 26,591 doctors retained their place on its register. Dr Maria O’Kane, chief executive of the Medical Council, said the report highlighted “priority areas for supporting and retaining doctors in Ireland”. Dr Suzanne Crowe, president of the Medical Council, said it was important to understand what motivated someone to renew their registration yet opt to travel and work overseas. “Irish doctors have long travelled abroad for experience and training ... but we want to see them coming home,” she said.
