Vol. 518 No. 2
85 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that the number of training places for occupational therapists is sufficient to meet the demand and high turnover at service levels; the discussion, if any, he has had with any education providers to increase the number of training places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11257/00]
Since my appointment as Minister for Health and Children, I have been aware that some employers are currently experiencing difficulty in recruiting occupational therapists. Having considered the issue, I have now approved the terms of reference for a needs analysis of the therapy grades, including occupational therapy, which will be carried out without delay.
In order to deal with the issue in the short term, I have asked my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, and the Higher Education Authority to look urgently at the scope for increasing the number of places in occupational therapy training from October 2000. I am committed to taking all possible steps to address recruitment issues in this area.
