Batt O'Keeffe
Ceist:67 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the provision of additional places for the education and training of certain paramedic grades, including physiotherapists. [3073/00]
Written Answers. - Education and Training Places.
The two schools of physiotherapy at University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin had a combined output in 1998 of some 70 graduates. With effect from the current academic year, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland has introduced an NUI degree of bachelor of science in physiotherapy with an intake of some 20 students.
An expert group was established by the Minister for Health and Children in accordance with a Labour Court recommendation to address, inter alia, the education and training of certain paramedic grades, including physiotherapists. The group commenced hearings in May 1998 and I understand that the group is expected to report shortly.
The question of providing additional facilities for the education and training of physiotherapists will be considered in the light of the report of the expert group.