asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the marked need throughout the country for occupational therapists, he will consider as a matter of urgency an improvement of their pay, conditions and opportunities of promotion with the aim of bringing back those abroad and encouraging more people at home to enter the profession.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Occupational Therapists.
3.
The salary of occupational therapists employed by local authorities was increased as recently at 11th February last. The new scale is £1,145 × £45-£1,550 × £50-£1,600 per annum. This compares favourably with the scales of remuneration for para-medical personnel generally.
The extensive provision of occupational therapy in the health services is comparatively new and the development of a promotional structure will be considered according as the service develops. The Deputy will of course appreciate that any such development will be considered in consultation with the new health boards.
Would the Minister agree that there is still grave discontent amongst the occupational therapists and para-medical workers generally? In view of the important and laudable work they do, would he again consider as a matter of urgency bringing some kind of realistic grading system into their salary and conditions?
I would not agree that there is grave discontent. As I have said, new scales have been created for physiotherapists and the matter can be considered again when the health boards are formed. It may be necessary to undertake some further regarding because of the larger area in the health board as compared with the health authority.
I want to tell the Minister that I received a number of letters from those people last week setting out their complaints.
I am calling Question No. 4 to the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Have we deleted the word "external"?
Yesterday.