James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 673: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the cost to the taxpayer of the investment in the four year training of the 150 physiotherapists who graduated in 2007 and who cannot get work in the public health system despite outpatient waiting lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20669/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The full cost of training 150 physiotherapists over a four year period is estimated at €7.4m. There has been a growing demand for, and investment in, physiotherapy services over the last number of years. A particular priority for the Department of Health & Children and my Department 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 whole time equivalent posts in the public health service has increased from 593 at end Dec 1997 to 1,410 at end June 2007 (an increase of 138%). My colleague, the Minister for Health & Children is aware that some physiotherapy graduates have had difficulty in obtaining employment. Her 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 the Department of Health & Children, 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.