Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 10 May 2000

Vol. 518 No. 6

Written Answers. - Staff Vacancies.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

324 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of occupational therapy posts in each of the health board areas that are not currently filled; if he intends to provide for the training of more occupational therapists in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12707/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

My Department is currently undertaking a survey of the number of vacant posts in each of the health boards and I hope to have this information available shortly.

I have recently approved the terms of reference of a workforce planning study for the three therapy grades, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and physiotherapy, and this study will be undertaken as a matter of urgency.

I have asked my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, and the Higher Education Authority to investigate the possibility of increasing the number of undergraduate places for occupational therapists from October 2000.

Furthermore, the recent report of the expert group on allied health professionals made comprehensive recommendations on the education and training of therapy grades. I welcome the report in principle and will shortly be bringing proposals to Government on how best to proceed in the context of its recommendations.