Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Can I raise the shortage of radiation therapists? I understand there is a 34% shortfall and, as a result, four machines, which are extremely expensive, are not being used. Will the Minister work with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Simon Harris, to increase the number of training places? There are currently only 30 training places in Trinity College Dublin. A postgraduate course in UCC has 12 places. Only 12 people at any one time are in training in this country on a yearly basis. Having only 42 places available is totally insufficient for the demand that is there. Can the number of training places be expanded in third level colleges that are prepared to take this on and work with the health service to make sure they get the expertise and experience in order to provide the service? I also understand that in a survey, 60% of radiation therapists indicated they intend to retire within the next five years.

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