Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 932: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress in the context of the recent anniversary of the Vision for Change document that has been made to have music therapy defined and recognised in order that it can actively be offered as one of the creative therapies in the multi-disciplinary team which was recommended in the strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2973/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The establishment of new grades within the public health service, including the grade of music therapist, is a human resource management matter which is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. In accordance with section 22 of the Health Act 2004, establishment of new grades requires the approval of the Minister for Health and Children given with the consent of the Minister for Finance.

My Department has written to the Health Service Executive advising that if, on the basis of service need and effective use of resources, the Executive wishes to progress the establishment of a grade of music therapist, a detailed business case on the introduction of the grade should be prepared and submitted to my Department for consideration in conjunction with the Department of Finance.