Why are Irish doctors emigrating?

The emigration of Irish-trained doctors is not a new phenomenon, but in recent years it has begun to have a greater impact on the efficiency and stability of the Irish healthcare system. With the highest number of doctors working abroad and more than half of those working in Ireland being non-Irish nationals, this is an issue not to be taken lightly, and it has led to a critical shortage in non-consultant hospital doctor (NCHD) numbers. Causes of this problem include falling income levels in Ireland, a better work–life balance available abroad, excessive working hours and an uncertain career pathway, among others. Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the USA are the most attractive destinations for doctors emigrating from Ireland as they address the above issues better than Ireland does. It is critical that all involved parties, including the Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland, solve this problem, as further decline will have negative consequences for Irish healthcare provision.