Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 4

Written Answers. - Health Services.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

393 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 has had to wait in the region of two years to be assessed by an occupational therapist for a motorised wheelchair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8868/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of health-related services, including technical aids and appliances, to people with physical and sensory disabilities is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. Accordingly, a copy of the Deputy's question has been referred to the chief executive officer of the Eastern Regional Health Authority with a request that he examine the matter and reply directly to you as a matter of urgency.

In response to my concern regarding current labour shortages affecting the therapy professions nationwide my Department commissioned a report by Dr. Peter Bacon and Associates on current and future supply and demand conditions in the labour market for certain professional therapists, including occupational therapists. The study was published in July 2001 and concluded that a major expansion is essential in the numbers of each of the therapy grades, requiring a significant increase in training places. The report recommends an annual increase of 75 course places for occupational therapy to achieve an increase of over 150% in the number of occupational therapists over the next decade.

An inter-agency working group has been established comprising representatives of my Department, the Department of Education and Science and the Higher Education Authority. The Higher Education Authority has initiated a formal bidding process between third level educational institutions to respond to the training needs identified in the study. The proposals received are currently being assessed by the working group with a view to allocating the increased course places as soon as possible. In addition, I understand that the Northern Area Health Board will shortly be undertaking a concerted overseas recruitment drive on behalf of all health boards to supply professional therapists, including occupational therapists.