To ask the Minister of Health, given the expected increase in medical graduates, what action he is taking to ensure an adequate number of foundation training places are available in the Health Service.

I am aware of the significant increase that will be required to the future number of posts available under the Northern Ireland Foundation Programme, particularly from 2025 onwards. It will be necessary to address a temporary increase in medical graduates from the QUB Medical School, combined with the additional output that will be generated by Ulster University's new Graduate Entry Medical School.

My officials will be working with the Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency and HSC Trusts to identify the necessary postings and additional finance. I expect that, working in partnership with these organisations, the Northern Ireland Foundation Programme will be expanded to provide new medical graduates with excellent foundation training opportunities that will launch their careers in the HSC.