The structure of medical education in the State is set to undergo major changes as a result of recommendations made in the Points Commission report.
The report recommends that students take a general life sciences course before studying medicine at post-graduate level as a way to relieve the current intense competition for places among Leaving Cert students.
The Department of Education says it will write to all interested parties about the idea and within two months hopes to have a process set up to seriously consider it. The Minister, Mr Martin, said yesterday he supported the idea, first proposed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
The Points Commission report states: "As well as the benefits for applicants in terms of reduced stress at second level, the change could lead to an increased interest in science, with consequent benefits for the economy."
The HEA in its submission to the commission, written by Dr Martin Newell, says if students enter medicine later it would provide them with "an opportunity to gain experience of learning about work in other areas".
However, it does acknowledge that students who fail to gain entry to a medical degree course following the life sciences course "might feel they had wasted their time".
The commission report also calls for a review of the number of places on courses like medicine and dentistry. At present only 305 places on medicine courses are available under a cap imposed by the HEA.
Mr Martin said he would not rule out having this cap removed but it would be done in consultation with medical bodies and third-level institutions.
A HEA spokesman said it had not been informed of shortages in the medical profession to date but would continue to monitor the situation.
Meanwhile, there has been further reaction to the provisions of the Points Commission report.
The Conference of Religious in Ireland (CORI) said what should emerge from the discussions following the report's publication was a Leaving Cert which certified "a much wider range of human qualities".
"For example, it would need to recognise and certify work in teams, a sense of social solidarity and a variety of other aspects of social and personal development."
The Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) said it was glad the Leaving Cert would remain the main mechanism by which third-level places were allocated.