Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 6

Written Answers. - Physiotherapy Service.

Ivan Yates

Ceist:

185 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health the reason consultation did not take place with the professional body representing qualified physiotherapists in this country, further to the recently advertised recruitment of 50 physiotherapy assistants; if he will outline the intended training for these assistants; where it will be given; by whom it will be given; where they will be employed; the supervision under which they will be employed in the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

There has been no advertised recruitment of 50 physiotherapy assistants nor are there any proposals to advertise for such assistants.

The report of the working party on service for the elderly The Years Ahead — A Policy for the Elderly referred to physiotherapy assistants. It recommended that my Department should review the manpower requirements in physiotherapy and that physiotherapy assistants be recruited.

I hope to circulate shortly a discussion document concerning the organisation of physiotherapy service and manpower issues.