Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 December 2021
190. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to make access to QQI level 5 healthcare support as affordable and easy as possible for participants, given the major lack of home care workers. [62094/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Skills Infrastructure provides a robust structure for engagement with sectors on areas of identified skills needs. There are a range of programmes in place to support the home care sector which are delivered across the further education and training sector.
There are currently 89 courses leading to a Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Level 5 Certificate for Healthcare Assistants available nationally through the 16 Education and Training Boards, with 98 courses due to be delivered nationally in 2022. Over 12,735 learners gained the QQI Level 5 qualification during 2020.
The majority of further education and training provision is free of charge or is heavily subsidised. However, learners may be required to pay a ‘course fee’ to cover course expenses such as books, uniforms, student services, professional registration fees and exam fees. These fees are set at local level.
The Governments Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 acknowledges that a significant area of growing skills demand is in the area of healthcare.
The HSE have committed as part of the Governments Action Plan for Apprenticeship to develop a public sector National Framework of Qualification QQI level 5 apprenticeship for the occupation of Healthcare Assistant.
Apprenticeship, in common with other education and training options, can support the widening of a recruitment base, retention of staff and deliver the skills needed once a learner is available and willing to work towards a qualification and the associated work-ready competency which apprenticeship delivers.
I am also committed to establishing a Cross Departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group and work led by a dedicated project team in the Department of Health, is currently underway.
The role of the group will be to facilitate the views of stakeholders and examine workforce challenges in home support and nursing homes. Potential areas to be considered include recruitment, retention, training, and the career development of home support and nursing home workers into the future.
Without pre-empting the work of the Group, this may include consideration of access to the QQI Level 5 qualification.
A ‘call for submissions’ issued to relevant national stakeholders on 3rd December 2021, with a closing date for receipt of submissions of 22nd December 2021. The Department's project team will analyse submissions received to inform the setting up of the Group in early 2022.
