Brian O'Shea
Question:177 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 364 of 1 May 2001, he will give a full answer to this question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14130/01]
Written Answers - Hospital Services.
As I mentioned in my previous reply, I am aware of the situation regarding staff shortages in the grades of occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. I have taken steps to deal with the problem. These include the commissioning of the study by Dr. Peter Bacon and Associates, which will be published shortly, increasing the number of student places in the therapy schools and implementing the recommendations of the expert group report on various health professions. As an interim measure, following discussions with the Department of Education and Science and the Higher Education Authority, the number of student places for occupational therapy and speech and language therapy was increased by five and eight respectively, from October 2000. The capacity of the colleges does not allow for any further expansion in the number of places.
In addition, I have implemented the recommendations of the expert group concerning the pay of therapists and career structures for the therapy grades have been significantly enhanced. They have been designed to make the therapy professions more attractive and aid the recruitment and retention of staff. On the question of the extent of the actual shortages, my Department does not have any figures and I have asked the chief executive officers of the health boards to reply directly to the Deputy.