Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 408: To ask the Minister for Health the way he will solve the unemployment issues for newly qualified physiotherapists; and if there is another agency that can assist them to start-up with funding or advice or internships with hospitals or health centres. [19606/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The employment of physiotherapists in the public health service is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE's National Recruitment Service introduced a centralised recruitment system for staff grade physiotherapists in 2008. Information recently provided by the HSE indicates that 347 appointments (237 permanent and 110 temporary) have been filled from the panel. The panel is still live and the HSE keep its operation under review and base decisions on further recruitment campaigns on a number of factors including potential vacancies and whether the current panel can satisfy current recruitment requirements. Notwithstanding the above discussions are underway to create internship posts to allow qualified physiotherapists continue their professional development and thus take up posts in the community where there is considerable demand.