asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the shortage of occupational therapists impedes the provision of adequate training programmes for the mentally handicapped; if he has under consideration any plan that would result in an increase in the number of trained occupational therapists.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Occupational Therapists.
49.
I am not so aware. Vacancies in the services are being filled according as qualified occupational therapists graduate from the three-year training programme. The intake of students into this training programme was increased from 25 to 30 in 1974 and it is expected that the increased output will catch up on vacant posts in a few years.