James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 402: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the specific action she proposes to take to address the 100% unemployment among 2007 physiotherapy graduates in view of the fact that the private sector does not normally recruit from newly qualified physiotherapists and that self employment is not an option on qualification; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20670/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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There has been a growing demand for and investment in physiotherapy services over the last number of years. A particular priority for my Department and the Department of Education and Science in recent years has been the expansion of the supply of physiotherapy graduates and, in this regard, training places have increased significantly in recent years and currently stand at 145. In addition, the number of physiotherapists employed in the public health service has increased 137.84% from end Dec 1997 to end June 2007 (from 592.89 to 1,410.12 WTE).

I am aware that some physiotherapy graduates have had difficulty in obtaining employment. My Department is addressing this situation in a proactive manner and is working closely with the HSE to tackle the various factors which are contributing to this situation. A working group made up of representatives from my Department, the HSE and the profession itself, including nominees from the unions, is continuing to work to manage this situation. This group, working in close partnership, has identified all the contributing factors to this complex matter and has developed a comprehensive Action Plan to address the matter. The group is now working through prioritised actions.