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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 18 Jul 1973

Vol. 267 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trained Physiotherapists.

47.

asked the Minister for Health the number of trained physiotherapists in Ireland; and if he is satisfied that this number is adequate to meet national requirements.

There are approximately 220 trained physiotherapists in this country at present, about 20 of whom are in private practice.

This number is not adequate—at present there are 22 vacancies in health boards which, despite repeated advertisements, cannot be filled. Apart from the proposed removal of the marriage bar for appointments under health boards, I am at present considering, in consultation with the boards, what further steps can be taken to improve the recruitment position. Another factor which should improve matters is the decision of the two physiotherapy schools to increase this year the annual intake of students, i.e. from a total of 42 students to a total of 54 students.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the fact that an important factor is a thing called salary? Because of the fact that those physiotherapists are able to get improved salaries abroad they are not attracted to the posts advertised by the Department or the various health boards. Would the Parliamentary Secretary not look into the question of salaries for those people?

I can assure the Deputy when I was in Opposition I asked the very same question.

The Parliamentary Secretary got the very same answer. We hope for a different answer this time.

That will happen.

Am I right in thinking that there are State education grants available for students in physiotherapy?

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