Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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112. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to address the long waiting lists for treatment due to a chronic shortage of radiation therapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51145/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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An independent review of the Radiation Therapist profession has been agreed under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission. Discussions are ongoing between the parties to finalise a Terms of Reference and appoint an independent chair.

As this is an ongoing Industrial Relations process it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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114. To ask the Minister for Health the steps his Department is taking in relation to concerns about a shortage in radiation therapists to carry out treatment in Ireland. [51505/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we have been committed to ensuring sufficient staffing levels to meet both COVID-related and long-term healthcare demand. There are 15,177 more whole-time equivalents working in our health service than there were at the beginning of 2020. This includes 4,500 nurses and midwives; 2,300 health and social care professionals; and 1,400 doctors and dentists.  The workforce is continuing to grow at a rapid pace and will continue into 2023.

In relation to radiation therapists, there are currently 208 WTE working in these grades in the Health service. This is an increase of 4.5% from pre-pandemic levels. 

While there has been significant growth, labour shortages of health care professionals has been a significant challenge. The HSE have expanded recruitment capacity and expanded the use of international recruitment markets to achieve the growth seen to date. We have directly targeted all of the 2022 health and social care professional graduates from Irish colleges and these applications are being interviewed currently. In relation to radiation therapists, an independent radiation therapist review has been agreed under the auspices of the WRC to consider issues including recruitment and retention. 

These recruitment and retention efforts will continue in 2023, with Budget 2023 securing funding for the expansion of 6 thousand additional whole-time-equivalents. These will include a significant number of health and social care professionals being added to the workforce.

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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115. To ask the Minister for Health the current position in respect of the negotiations between his Department and the medical consultants' representative bodies in respect of the proposed new consultant contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52294/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Government, as provided for in the Programme for Government, is committed to introducing the Sláintecare public-only consultant contract in a timely manner. The Department of Health along with the HSE has engaged with the Consultant’s representative bodies, the IMO and IHCA, through an intensive negotiation process on the new contract. The contract will not permit holders engage in private practice in public hospitals.

Engagement between the parties resumed on 23 June, following the appointment of a new replacement chair at that time, and is ongoing.

The introduction of the Contract is a key priority for me and the Government as a significant step in implementing Sláintecare reform and the delivery of care by consultants.