Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In order for a three-year degree course to happen, the colleges and universities will need more supervised placements in all allied health areas, such as language therapy, nursing, midwifery and psychology. Qualified people will be needed to supervise the placements. Surely this is a real possibility in the context of the many critical skills shortages within the various areas of health. The ultimate significant benefit would accrue to the children on waiting lists. Those lists are growing longer every day. Has the Minister looked at the CAO system in the context of the skills shortages in health? Has he examined opening up further placements in universities and colleges in order to meet the demand in the health sector?

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