Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

500. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will engage with third level institutions in Ireland to ensure that courses will be available in the training of theatre assistants; if he will also engage with hospital authorities to determine the best way of developing this role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47962/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The matter of health workforce planning and ensuring an appropriate pipeline of qualified healthcare workers within Ireland, is a major priority for my Department. The Programme for Government commits the Department of Health to working with the education sectors, regulators, and professional bodies to improve the availability of health professionals and reform their training to support integrated care across the entire health service.

My officials are actively engaging with the Department of Health and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that we can continue to deliver graduates with the skills necessary to support our healthcare system and support the strategic workforce planning by the health sector.