Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 14 June 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health

Implementation of Sláintecare Reforms: Department of Health and HSE (Resumed)

Mr. Bernard Gloster:

On the expansion of the training programme I am not sure specifically about radiation therapy. Perhaps the Department has a view on it. There is general engagement targeting all health professionals to increase the number of places on training programmes. The Minister, Deputy Harris, has committed to doing this in the autumn. We are projecting our workforce as far as 2040 and the needs are obvious. I do not know specifically about radiation therapy whether there is a growth plan for this year. I understand the profession is losing numbers. It is difficult to get and retain radiation therapists. Some of them progress to other training for other disciplines.