Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024
38. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider putting in place a scholarship programme for radiation therapy students with a signed agreement that they would work for two years in the HSE once qualified, given that University College Cork has a two-year master's programme costing students €12,000 per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9086/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, there has been extensive engagement between my Department and the Department of Health and the two education providers, Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork regarding expanding provision in Radiation Therapy programmes. These discussions are ongoing. For additional places to be made available on Radiation Therapy programmes it is essential to ensure the appropriate clinical placements and qualified practice tutors are in place.
The introduction of any sponsorship agreement and employment commitment in relation to any healthcare profession, and indeed more generally, would be matters for relevant employers, in this case the HSE.
