There are a record number of doctors now working in Ireland, according to a new Medical Council workforce report.
The study found a growing, diverse workforce and a rise in internationally trained doctors.
The Medical Workforce Intelligence Report 2025 shows that last year there were over 22,200 doctors practising medicine in Ireland.
The number of female doctors has risen in recent years to just over 47%.
More than a quarter of doctors reported persistent barriers to safe patient care including pressure on workloads, time spent on bureaucracy and overcrowding.
GPs and doctors in training reported the greatest strain.
Over 4,700 doctors reported working more than 48 hours a week, in contravention of the European Working Time Directive.
The report also shows that Ireland has a growing reliance on internationally trained doctors.
The most common country of qualification for graduates was Pakistan.
It found that retaining doctors who have trained in Ireland and who come to work here is challenging as many are working long hours leading to stress and burnout.
President of the Medical Council Professor Deirdre J Murphy said: “The report reflects a workforce that is becoming more diverse, and a diverse medical workforce is good news, reflecting the changing demographics of patients and communities across the country.
“The data is equally clear that too many doctors are telling us that the workload, administration and overcrowding are getting in the way of the care they want to provide.”