Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

I was taken aback by the recent survey which showed that many hospitals have a severe shortage of radiographers, especially in light of the plans outlined for MRI scans and BreastCheck. I am concerned at the statement by the director of the only radiographer training college in the country that it took a long time to get funding for extra places. It appears that the Department of Education and Science funds the college, but the director feels the Department of Health and Children should contribute to the training of radiographers. The director has written to the Department of Health and Children seven times over the past two years but has not got a reply. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister to the House to explain why this position still pertains and what he intends to do about it.