THE Republic's health service has launched a massive recruitment drive as it prepares to deal with a sharp rise in coronavirus cases.
Health minister Simon Harris said every newly-graduated doctor will be offered an internship, with well over 1,000 people looking for one this year.
He also launched a recruitment call for nurses under the slogan "your country needs you".
The Irish government has warned it expects a 30 per cent increase in the number of coronavirus cases confirmed in the Republic every day.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that 15,000 virus cases are expected here by the end of the month, but that most will not need treatment.
Mr Harris has appealed to retired healthcare workers and students to apply for jobs.
He also made a special plea to Irish healthcare workers living abroad, to those working part-time and to medical students.
"Anyone who has a qualification and wants to work in the Irish health service will get a job… Your country needs you," he told RTÉ’s Claire Byrne Live Show.
Healthcare workers will be redeployed to fight the spread of the virus. Overtime and hours for part-time staff will be increased.
He said more intensive care beds will be opened and the government is contacting private hospitals help out.
However, he also appealed to the public to follow health advice.
"We can do certain things," he said.
"But we need you – the citizen – to comply with this and help us out. We need to do more."
He said around 3,000 people could be hospitalised with the virus by the end of the month.
"We’re doing everything we can to expand the health service. The only limit will be physical availability not resources," he said.
Mr Harris said he will bring forward childcare proposals for healthcare workers by the end of the week.
