To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applicants in Northern Ireland are in the process of applying for posts via modernising medical careers; how many posts are available in Northern Ireland; and how many such posts in the 2007 round are for (a) specialist training and (b) fixed-term specialist training appointments. (135535)

Current figures show that there have been 2,559 applications for posts in Northern Ireland. Many applicants have applied for more than one post A detailed breakdown of applications per applicant is not currently available.

By August 2007 there will be:

(a) 406 Specialist training posts; and

(b) 211 Fixed term specialist training posts.