Enda Kenny
Question:188 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason restrictions are placed on the training of therapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22583/01]
Written Answers. - Training of Therapists.
The report of the expert group on var ious health professionals, commissioned by the Department of Health and Children and chaired by Dr. Peter Bacon, identifies a need for additional graduate output in physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy.
The report recommends that initiatives should be put in place to improve the supply of qualified personnel in each of the three therapy professions as a matter of urgency. It further recommends that the scope for the fast-tracking of qualifications be examined, for example, graduate entry conversion type courses which would provide an early increase in the supply of personnel.
At my Department's request, the Higher Education Authority has been exploring various options for further increases and has been in touch with the Department of Health and Children regarding related issues including the question of clinical placements. The Higher Education Authority has also issued a call to institutions to submit proposals for the expansion of existing courses and the introduction of new courses, including graduate entry programmes. The closing date for receipt of such proposals is mid-October.
As an interim response to the shortage of therapists arrangements were made to increase the number of places offered on the relevant programmes for the 2000-01 academic year.
I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to liaise with my colleague the Minister for Health and Children, in order to ensure an adequate supply of qualified personnel in the three therapy professions.