Bernard Allen
Question:297 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the action he will take to address the national shortage of radiographers. [22870/01]
Written Answers. - Radiography Services.
My Department with the Department of Education and Science and the Higher Education Authority are currently addressing the issue of radiography staff shortages within the public health sector in the context of the provision of additional places on existing radiography courses. This has resulted in an increase of 150% – +15 places – in therapeutic radiography places in Trinity College Dublin this year and discussions are continuing regarding the provision of additional places in 2002. The expert group report on radiography grades published in July 2001 endorses this important step and reaffirms the need to assess the requirement to further increase student places.
I am aware that a significant increase in the level of overseas recruitment of radiographers has taken place in recent months to address difficulties in filling current vacancies. In order to facilitate this development my Department is working to streamline the process of validation of foreign qualifications and is continuing to identify and address any impediments to successful recruitment.