Education and Training Provision

Thursday, 3 October 2024

Questions (206)

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

Question:

206. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the provision of funding for full-time practice tutors in the area of radiation therapy to ensure adequate tutor-to-student ratios in the relevant universities, as recommended in the Radiation Therapist Review Working Group report of July 2024, to help address the staffing deficits and service provision in radiation oncology centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39518/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

My Department is engaging extensively with the Department of Health, the HSE and the Universities to expand provision in radiation therapy programmes. The recruitment of appropriately qualified staff as Practice Tutors is, in the first instance, a matter for the HSE and the Department of Health, as the employer. I am aware there is a skills shortage in this area and will continue to actively engage with all relevant officials and stakeholders to facilitate more places on these programmes.