There is a body which represents medical consultants who might be able to help.
You could also check with the Department of Health.
He could ask an established surgeon. If he is planning to set up in Dublin, he could ask someone in Cork who might not worry about the competition.
How would he get referrals? Would he not need some attachment to one of the hospitals? Could he ask one of the surgeons in the Blackrock Clinic or wherever his speciality is handled?