Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 Mar 1990

Vol. 396 No. 9

Written Answers. - Radiography Degree Course.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

195 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education if she proposes to set up a degree course in radiography at University College, Cork, in view of the nationwide shortage of radiographers in the health service and in view of the fact that University College, Dublin, is only-training 12 radiographers per year which is insufficient for the national demand and the health authorities are forced as a result of this to employ non-nationals.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

It is not a function of my Department to establish degree courses in the universities; this is a matter for the individual colleges in consultation with the Higher Education Authority.

I understand that the question of the education and training of an increased number of radiographers is at present being considered by a working party established by the Minister for Health. Any recommendation to increase the number of students in radiography will be referred to the Higher Education Authority for consideration.