Written answers
Wednesday, 20 September 2023
Department of Health
Health Services Staff
Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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954. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 403 and 404 of 8 February 2023 and No. 481 of 3 May 2023, if he is aware of the position of the HSE's Heads of Psychology Services Ireland, HPSI, and the Psychological Society of Ireland, PSI, on the use of certain titles, given that these titles are not recognised as being currently in use by the HSE's national HR office; if not, if he will engage with the HPSI and the PSI on this matter to establish how these titles came to be in use; if these individual managers should refrain from using these titles as they imply a wider remit or higher level of authority than the title that is in use for such managers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40067/23]
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I have asked the HSE to provide a direct response to the Deputy on this matter.
Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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955. To ask the Minister for Health to provide an update on the independent radiation therapist review which began in December 2022 with representatives from a union (details supplied), his Department, the national cancer control programme, NCCP, and the radiation oncology services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40068/23]
Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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956. To ask the Minister for Health what action his Department and the HSE are taking to address the critical shortage of radiation therapists in the sector, which has increased from a 15% to a 40% shortage since a survey (details supplied) was carried out earlier this year, and in view that over the summer months, a skin cancer unit had to close for a time due to a lack of qualified staff to operate same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40069/23]
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 955 and 956 together.
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the incredibly important role of Radiation Therapists in the provision of cancer services in this country.
An independent review of the Radiation Therapist profession, which was agreed between the HSE, Department of Health and SIPTU, under the auspices of the WRC, has been underway since December 2022. This strategic review has been considering issues such as organisation structure, career development in line with Health and Social Care Professional Frameworks, and strategic workforce planning for Radiation Therapists. It has also been looking at recruitment and retention strategies for Radiation Therapists. All parties expect the recommendations arising from the review to lead to positive changes for the Radiation Therapy profession.
All outcomes of the review will be given due consideration by the Department of Health. Implementation of any recommendations from the review are subject to approval from the Departments of Health and Public Expenditure and Reform in line with public service pay policy. A report of the review containing recommendations is expected to be published in the coming months.
Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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957. To ask the Minister for Health the measures that his Department and the HSE are taking to address recruitment and retention in the radiation therapy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40070/23]
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the incredibly important role of Radiation Therapists in the provision of cancer services in this country.
An independent review of the Radiation Therapist profession, which was agreed between the HSE, Department of Health and SIPTU, under the auspices of the WRC, has been underway since December 2022. This strategic review has been considering issues such as organisation structure, career development in line with Health and Social Care Professional Frameworks, and strategic workforce planning for Radiation Therapists. It has also been looking at recruitment and retention strategies for Radiation Therapists. All parties expect the recommendations arising from the review to lead to positive changes for the Radiation Therapy profession.
All outcomes of the review will be given due consideration by the Department of Health. Implementation of any recommendations from the review are subject to approval from the Departments of Health and Public Expenditure and Reform in line with public service pay policy. A report of the review containing recommendations is expected to be published in the coming months.
In relation to providing any specific details on recruitment and retention measures for Radiation Therapists, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy.
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